Papier Mâché Chinese Opera Masks
Use simple materials to develop sculptures that have intricate, detailed character and imagery
SCHOOL: Blue Heron Middle School
TEACHING ARTIST: Martha Worthley
TEACHER: M.J. Rak
GRADE: 6 (can be adapted to any grade)
Student
Target learning: Makes silhouette support for a Chinese Opera character mask.
Criteria: Draws simplified shapes defining contours of head/shoulders of a specific character, cuts out, and traces onto cardboard.
Target learning: Creates a three-dimensional papier mâché mask.
Criteria: Builds a head/shoulders/face form by attaching wadded newspaper to cardboard support for height, width, and depth; covers entire surface with white paper and cellulose.
Target learning: Conveys specific character through surface decoration.
Criteria: Uses color, pattern, and texture to represent details of costume and theatrical face paint observed in character.
Vocabulary (click here for the glossary)
contour
detail
sculpture
silhouette
simplified form
surface decoration
three dimensional
Materials (click here to find sources)
beads
cellulose
hot glue
hot glue guns
lightweight white paper
masking tape
recycled corrugated cardboard
recycled newspapers
ribbon
tempera paint
white glue
yarn
sequins
glitter glue
Resources Introduced:
6th grade Language Arts/Social Studies research includes learning about the origins and significance of Chinese Opera. Students become familiar with archetypical traditional characters of the opera: their gender, age, social class, personality, physical attributes.
Creative Process: (click here to see video showing step by step process)
Students identify and research a specific Chinese Opera character. Students then are asked to draw their character in pencil, (by adding shapes to a basic face prototype) while looking at photographs of the character. Surface pattern and decoration distinguishing individual characters is discussed, along with color and simplification of form. Project takes place over at least five days of 1-2 hour sessions.
Class Assessment Strategies: (click here for video of criteria-based assessment in action)
Criteria based self assessment, Whole class discussion and critique.
Essential Learnings:
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Port Townsend Visual Art curriculum
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OSPI Visual Art frameworks
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OSPI Classroom-based Performance Assessment
Arts 1.1 concepts: shape, 3-D form
Arts 1.2 skills and techniques: papier mâché sculpture
Arts 4.4 makes connections: arts reflect culture
