This mural by artist Aaron Glasson depicts three Estonian women from the island of Kihnu and their intrinsic relationship with fishing and the sea.
In his artist's statement, Glasson explains that dwindling herring populations threaten the Indigenous community's way of life on Kihnu.
The mural is located on the side of the Estonian Marine Authority building in Harju maakond, Estonia.
Teaching Tips
Positives
Students will be interested in discussing this vibrant and interesting mural.
Aaron Glasson explains his inspiration for the mural in the accompanying video.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers may want to show students where Estonia (and Kihnu) are located on a map.
Differentiation
In small groups, students could discuss the following questions:
What is each of the three women doing?
What do you think the woman in blue represents?
How did the artist depict the connection between the people of Kihnu and the natural world?
How did the artist use color to convey meaning?
Music classes could listen to Kihnu Virve's music online and discuss the role of folk music in preserving and celebrating culture.
Other resources on this topic include this podcast on unsustainable fishing methods, this Khan Academy video on sustainability, and this short film on Indigenous fishing practices.
Scientist Notes
The artwork presents a clear demonstration on conserving marine ecosystems and people's cultural heritage and livelihoods. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
MS-ESS3-4 Construct an argument supported by evidence for how increases in human population and per-capita consumption of natural resources impact Earth's systems.
National Core Arts Standards
Visual Arts: Standard 7 - Perceive and analyze artistic work.
VA:Re7.1.6a Identify and interpret works of art or design that reveal how people live around the world and what they value
VA:Re7.1.Ia Hypothesize ways in which art influences perception and understanding of human experiences.
VA:Re7.2.IIa Evaluate the effectiveness of an image or images to influence ideas, feelings, and behaviors of specific audiences.
VA:Re7.2.3a Determine messages communicated by an image.
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.
