DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Mexican Paper Arts
BRIEF HISTORY Dia de Los Muertos or Day of the Dead is a cultural celebration which originated in Mesoamerica and remains a Mexican tradition today. The celebration begins on November 1 st and ends on November 2 nd. It also coincides with the Catholic religious celebrations of All Saints Day and All Faithful Departed however Dia de Los Muertos is believed to have originated way before Spanish Catholic influences and even before Aztec times. (1500 BC)
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS Dia de Los Muertos continues to be a celebration honoring those who have passed. Its decorations and altars (ofrendas) are decorated with festive colors, including traditional foods, candies and poems called (calaveritas literarias). The decorations which adorn the streets and altars can include; skeletons, sugar skulls, papel picado (perforated paper). These decorations are meant to be joyous and not macabre. For example, the papel picado sometimes depicts skeletons in satirical settings. There is even a bread called Pan de Muertos or Bread of the Dead. The foods and candies can be given as gifts or left on the altars as an offering.
PAPER ARTS Paper Maché Masks Face painting and sugar skull inspired Paper Flowers Used to adorn people, skulls and altars Papel Picado Also used to adorn altars, for parties and to decorate the streets Visual Arts 1 You will create your own Papel Picado designs. Advanced Art Classes- We will be focusing on these three paper arts used during the Mexican celebration of Dia de Los Muertos. You will develop and create original designs for your work.
OBJECTIVES: Learn to discuss universal concepts expressed in works of art from diverse cultures. Learn the skills of an artist by displaying works of art (a collection) as a part of a public exhibition. Learn about the paper arts of the Mexican culture and traditions of a diverse culture.
ART STANDARDS 2.0 CREATIVE EXPRESSION 2.3 Assemble and display objects or works of art as a part of a public exhibition. 3.0 HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL CONTEXT 3.3 Investigate and discuss universal concepts expressed in works of art from diverse cultures.
EVALUATION/RUBRIC Creativity: Design, concept, originality, dynamic art work collection Craftsmanship: Extreme attention to detail, precise cuts on paper art, excellent use of paints (masks only), tools and rulers to complete design. Effort: Using class time to its fullest. Going above and beyond the requirements of the assignment. Reworking designs throughout process. Directions: Following all steps to ensure nothing is missed. Reviewing steps on a daily basis.
PAPER MACHÉ Paper Maché there are various recipes for creating paper maché. Some recipes call for water, glue, flour, and/or other substances which harden when they dry. This adhesive will be used with newspaper
PAPER MACHÉ MASKS PROCESS: Creating the glue used for paper maché is a simple process. There are many recipes for creating the paste however we will be using a 2 ingredient recipe in order to eliminate the use of harsh chemicals. You will need: Flour Water Bowls Mixing utensils Skull/Face Mold Begin by putting flour in a bowl and slowly pouring in water. You will want to get the consistency of thin pancake batter. Mix thoroughly to remove any lumps. Add water to thin out recipe as you work.
EXAMPLES
DESIGN Paints (acrylic or tempera) Designs based on traditional sugar skulls and original invented designs Embellishment (rhinestones, cloth flowers, paper flowers and sequins)
PLANNING Design 3 skull thumbnails with possible color schemes and designs (sketchbook) On the same page of your sketchbook practice drawing scrolls both floral, geometric and/or invented designs. Begin the Paper Maché process
PAPER FLOWERS Paper Flowers are used around the world. From China to Mexico and used for various occasions. In the Mexican culture they have been used to decorate homes, hair accessories and during festivities such as Dia de Los Muertos. Materials: Brightly colored tissue paper, floral wire, wire cutters and scissors
Process: PAPER FLOWER Cut 3 ½ of wire and put aside for later Take a minimum of 8 same sized colored tissues and clip them on one end with paper clip or clothes pin to avoid having them move while folding Make ¾ inch folds on the unclipped end, going back and forth like a fan or accordion Wrap the center of the folded paper with the metal wire (bottom right image) Cut rounded or pointed edges for petals Slowly spread open your flower Begin to lift and separate the tissues from each other, slowly pulling up carefully not tear the paper Arrange the pedals and YOUR FLOWER IS DONE!
PAPER FLOWERS
PAPEL PICADO Papel Picado, known in the United States as perforated paper, is a decorative Mexican paper craft. They resemble colorful flags or banners. They are very similar to Chinese Paper Cutting designs. Papel Picado is traditionally chiseled away using small tools rather than being cut however there are now machines which can mass produce the designs. The craft spread from the city of Puebla, Mexico to neighboring cities then reaching Mexico City. From there it has spread and is now recognized in the United States, Europe and around the world.
Process: PAPEL PICADO Draw 3 thumbnail sketches based traditional Mexican designs and patterns. Choose one and draw a design template ( Approximately 9 x12 ) Determine which areas are cut and which will remain by shading in positive space (the negative or empty space will be cut out) Place template on your tissue paper and pin down or clip paper together Cut paper using sharp scissors and utility knife *See example
YOU WILL CREATE YOUR OWN DESIGNS Symmetrical Designs can be folded in half and cut using scissors and an utility knife. (Be careful with knife it may tear thin tissue) Your design does not have to show symmetrical balance however composition must demonstrate balance.
EXAMPLES
PAPEL PICADO IDEAS Catrinas Skeletons in satirical settings (riding a bicycle, playing the guitar, dancing) Sugar Skull Inspired Floral and Organic designs Geometric Designs