This mural by artist Secreto Rebollo depicts the emotional and physical damage of overfishing using symbolism.
Students will also learn about how to take responsible action, particularly for those who continue to eat seafood.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This captivating mural sheds light on the many implications of overfishing.
The artist's statement gives further meaning to the mural by describing the symbolism and intended message.
The gallery features 22 photographs of Secreto Rebollo creating this work, including close-ups and photos that give more context to the location of the mural.
Additional Prerequisites
Students may not be familiar with the industrial methods of fishing used today, so you may want to show them images of industrial scale trawlers, nets, and bycatch from commercial fishing.
It may be helpful to look at the meaning of the word litany in order to better comprehend why "Letanía" might have been chosen as a title for the work.
Differentiation
Language arts teachers could assign persuasive writing projects that convince readers to be more responsible consumers of seafood using the artist's "Take Action" list, being sure to provide evidence of the importance.
Classes could listen to this podcast about unsustainable fishing practices' negative impact on the oceans' ecosystems and discuss in groups
Other resources on this topic include this mural which also highlights issues threatening marine life, this short film and lesson plan about a Yup'ik fisherman and the adjustments his people have had to make.
Scientist Notes
The resource is an artwork that describes harmful fishing practices. It raises concerns on how to limit over-exploitation of marine resources and seafood consumption. 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.
LS2: Ecosystems: Interactions, Energy, and Dynamics
HS-LS2-7 Design, evaluate, and refine a solution for reducing the impacts of human activities on the environment and biodiversity.
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
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.
Visual Arts: Standard 11 - Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
VA:Cn11.1.IIIa Appraise the impact of an artist or a group of artists on the beliefs, values, and behaviors of a society.
