This mural by Japanese artist Twoone depicts a group of endangered New Zealand seabirds, called Chatham Island Shags.
In his artist's statement, Twoone explains that the mural is intended to bring attention to the plight of endangered species and the role that humans play in hurting the natural world.
Teaching Tips
Positives
This interesting mural brings attention to an endangered seabird that many students will be unfamiliar with.
Students will appreciate the slideshow of photographs showing the artist at work on the mural.
Additional Prerequisites
Teachers with younger students may need to explain the concept of endangered species.
Teachers may want to show students where New Zealand is located on a map.
Differentiation
Art classes could discuss how the artist's use of color and the dripping technique contribute to the feeling or mood of the mural.
Science classes could research the Chatham Island Shag, find out why the species is endangered, and think about ways to help the species thrive.
The resource is an artwork underpinning the support of sustainable resource management and conservation of marine habitat. This is recommended for teaching.
Standards
Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS)
ESS3: Earth and Human Activity
K-ESS3-1 Use a model to represent the relationship between the needs of different plants or animals (including humans) and the places they live.
National Core Arts Standards
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.
VA:Re7.2.Ka Describe what an image represents.
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.
VA:Re8.1.2a Interpret art by identifying the mood suggested by a work of art and describing relevant subject matter and characteristics of form.