Double Take
Self-expression through Mixed Media
Explore how Horizons Greater Washington Grade 8 students used the exhibition Frank Stewart’s Nexus: An American Photographer’s Journey, 1960s to the Present as a springboard to reflect on their beliefs and passions, while exploring how they want to convey themselves to the world.
About the program
This project, inspired by Frank Stewart’s Nexus and artworks from the Phillips’s permanent collection, centers on the concept of identity and the power of self-expression. Horizons grade 8 students were challenged to reflect on their beliefs and passions, while exploring how they want to convey themselves to the world. Over the course of four weeks, students learned the basics of photography, created mixed-media self-portraits, and learned about self-expression through different works of art and artistic choices. They created their self-portraits by taking photographs and then adding paint and embroidering decorative elements onto their printed photographs. After each lesson, Horizons art teacher, Karen La Du, brought the concepts learned at the museum back into the classroom. Using multiple mediums, from needle and thread to cameras, students were able to tell stories about themselves and their identities.
School Participants
Horizons Greater Washington Grade 8
Special thanks to Kati Snotherly & Julia Hallam for their design of this project.
Students
Jacob H. V-lone but Never Alone
In this portrait I appear alone in the darkness with a V-lone shirt but I made an embroidered cross to show that I am not alone for I am with Jesus. I also made music notes because I always have music.
Yazmin B-L., YN
It shows that I don’t really like showing my face when you take a picture. I want people to know that I like color – red, baby pink, black
Daniela C-D, Sunshine
I can be a really boring person but once it comes to art, I am really creative and willing to take risks and willing to try new things. I have learned how to express myself through art
Leah K., Lightning reflection
I want people to know that I have a very big energy. Just know I am energetic and funny. I also like mirrors because I like to look good
Yohanne H., Spiderman
I am spiderman and I am a hero. I’m a hero because I like to save people and aid people.
Harvin Bolanos, Untitled
Yahir B., heart work
It shows how I feel on the inside. Also, how hearts are beautiful unless its broken…
Robert G., RHLM LA L
This portrait shows me serious and shows my favorite colors that is black and white and red in the cross
Jose A., Black, Red, and White
It shows my favorite colors which are black, red, and white, and the little person on the right is my friend with a red shirt
Teachers
Karen La Du, It’s Always All About the Hair
Our culture pays a lot of attention to hair. We can tell everything and nothing about someone from their hair. What does your hair say about you? Mine has always been changing. I enjoy that form of expression
Alexa Newman, Girlhood
This portrait shows the radiating energy/aura that comes with the power of a girly friendship. Unconditional love without judgment
A. Diallo, Camouflage Queen
This piece was created by several people. It presents an unidentified person whose silhouette was not easily seen before embellishment. As the person’s identity is unknown, we, the artists, show that each of us blends together in nature but has a unique place within the world.
Students In Progress
