This mural in Tallinn, Estonia depicts the image of an eagle, which is a symbol of strength and power.
The artist hopes that through the appreciation of this work, the viewers can reflect more on the impact we have on the environment.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This mural can be used to creatively connect art and science topics.
The resource contains a link to explore the mural using Google Maps.
Additional Prerequisites
Kalevipoeg is a hero from Estonian folklore who rode on the back of a great eagle.
Watching the embedded clip about the Mextonia Festival with the students could aid art appreciation.
An artist's statement at the bottom of the page has more background information about the mural.
Differentiation
Students could discuss the inspiration derived from contemplating the painting, and could even use this to spur their own ideas for climate change-related art.
Science students could read this article about shifting movement patterns of different animals, including eagles, due to climate change.
The artwork shows the importance of protecting sea creatures and other natural resources and enhances interconnectedness with nature. Some of the sea creatures like the sea eagles play a key role in connecting man to nature. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts: Standard 6 - Convey meaning through the presentation of artistic work.
VA:Pr6.1.IIa Make, explain, and justify connections between artists or artwork and social, cultural, and political history.
Visual Arts: Standard 7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
VA:Re7.1.IIa Recognize and describe personal aesthetic and empathetic responses to the natural world and constructed environments.
VA:Re7.2.IIa Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.
Visual Arts: Standard 8 - Interpret intent and meaning in artistic work.
VA:Re8.1.8a Interpret art by analyzing how the interaction of subject matter, characteristics of form and structure, use of media, art-making approaches, and relevant contextual information contributes to understanding messages or ideas and mood conveyed.
VA:Re8.1.Ia Interpret an artwork or collection of works, supported by relevant and sufficient evidence found in the work and its various contexts.
