Sunday, October 3, 2010

WebQuest- Blek's Stencil Graffiti

Blek le Rat is considered by some to be the originator of stencil graffiti art. Stencil graffiti makes use of paper, cardboard, or other media to create an image or text that is easily reproducible. The design is cut out of the selected medium and the image is transferred to a surface through spray paint or roll-on paint.

Blek le Rat’s main motivation is the social consciousness and the desire to bring art to the people. He began his artwork in Paris in 1981 and he’s made a great impact on today’s graffiti movement.

First Rats in Paris

Original Stencil Pioneer

He began decorating the streets of Paris in 1981 with a rat stencil in hopes of invading the streets with rats. He was inspired to create this stencil after seeing the graffiti in New York City in the 70’s. However, he did not want to copy the American style of graffiti. He wanted to generate a style that was fitting to Paris and so he chose the stencil. After the rats, he moved onto life sized portraits.

Man Who Walks Through Walls


Task
Students will create their own self-portrait from a photograph using the stencil graffiti technique. However, they will be producing their art on paper and roll-on paint rather than using public buildings and spray paint.

How to create a stencil

How to create a stencil from a photograph using PhotoshopSpace Cowboy

Process
Review these websites:
Pioneer of Street Art
Blek le Rat for SALE (notice how he works on paper now)

Questions for discussion:
Do you think Blek’s art is art? Why?
Do you think it’s wrong to paint on public buildings to make a statement, or do you feel it’s a freedom of expression?

Checkpoint Charlie

Project- Self-portrait Stencil
Take a picture of yourself and load it into Photoshop to create your stencil.
Follow the Photoshop directions
Gather the materials needed to cut out your stencil
i.e. scissors, exacto knife, cutting pad, image, and paper to cut stencil out of
After cutting stencil out, tape it onto your sheet of paper.
Gather materials to roll-on the paint
i.e. small roller and acrylic paint (one color), and dish to put paint into and roll on
Roll paint over stencil.
Set aside to dry.

Evaluation
Each student will be assessed on:
- Completed assignment
- Craftsmanship with stenciling
- Showed effort

Conclusion
This WebQuest is to provide a better understanding in the navigation of the internet for research. It has given you background knowledge in Stencil Graffiti and the artist Blek le Rat. It has also given you the experience of creating an image in the style of Blek.

Sources
Art Republic
Official website of Blek le Rat
Artnet
No Walls Gallery
Molotow Blog

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