Mythology & Fairytales: A Modern Twist 


NC Standards of Art: 
A.V.2 Apply creative and critical thinking skills to artistic expression. 
 A.V.2.3 Generate art based on a creative exploration of a concept. 
 
Objective:Create a work of art based on a fairytale or myth.  You must give the story a modern day, original twist.  You may combine characters from stories, alter stories, and change things as much as you can while still retaining some of the original storyline or a scene from the storyline, although with a modern twist. Your artwork must depict at least one of the five elements of a fairytale or myth. 
 
  1. Review the fairytales and myths, and read any that might interest you.  Make notes of anything that catches your eye or any scenes which seem visually interesting. This should be documented in your art journal. 
  1. Create a minimum of three somewhat detailed sketches (not thumbnails).  Document all images and links that you like or that might inspire you.  Discuss with Mrs. Gant. 
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Your project can be 2d or 3d, and you must know exactly what media/materials you will be using. 
  1. Decide on your final idea and begin working and log reflections and questions as you work in your art journal. 
  1. See Mrs. Gant with any questions or problem-solving dilemmas. 
 
 
There should be NO shortcuts or taking the “easy way out.”  This should be one of the best works of art that you have ever done!    

You should demonstrate proficiency in: 
*Using excellent craftsmanship 
*Using class time wisely every day …..and any required home/work time 
*Creating an original work of art that is NOT based on an image found on the internet.  If any close semblance of your idea is seen online, you will receive a 0 for your exam grade. 
*Meeting the requirements of the project 
*Avoiding “trite imagery”. 
*Not settling for something “safe”- you are expected to challenge yourself with this project 
*Problem-solving and coming up with a relevant, modern day twist 
*Working on your project every day in class.  If you do not have your project, you will lose 5 points for each day you are not working on it in class.  You may work on it at home but must bring it back each day.  Please consider this when deciding on a size and medium if you travel on the bus! 
 
Idea!  Consider re-purposing a fairytale book as part of your artwork, or using pages of a book to print/paint on. 
 

LINKS & RESOURCES 
 
https://edsitement.neh.gov/lesson-plans/unicorns-dragons-and-other-magical-creatures 
 
http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/classroom_resources/curricula/mythology/ 

Fairytales:  
Alice in Wonderland Cinderella The tortoise and the hare 
Crane WifeA Christmas CarolUgly Duckling 
Little Red Riding HoodRobin HoodKing Arthur and the Round Table 
RapunzelEmperor's new clothesAladdin 
Humpty Dumpty Thumbelina Pinocchio 
Goldie Locks and the three bears Mary PoppinsThrough the looking glass 
Wizard of OzPrincess and the FrogThe boy who cried wolf 
Snow white and the seven dwarves Three little pigsJack and the giant beanstalk 
Hansel and GretelThe Tale of Peter Rabbit 
Hans Christian Anderson 
The Brothers Grimm 
*Using Disney is discouraged for this project unless with permission, due to appropriations issues and pre-established imagery. 
 
Mythology 
Celtic Myths Roman Myths Greek Myths 
Ancient Egyptian Myths Mayan Myths 
 
  • Myth: comes from the Greek word "mythos," which originally meant "speech" or" discourse" but which later came to mean "fable" or "legend." 
  • Mythology: refers to a collection of myths that together form a mythological system. 
  • Demigod: a half god or an inferior deity; a fabulous hero, the offspring of a deity and a mortal. 
  • Attributes: a quality that is considered as belonging to, or inherent in a person or thing; an essential or necessary property or characteristic. For example, order and harmony are attributes of Apollo. 
  • Symbol: something that represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention. For example, the lyre is a symbol for Apollo. 
  • Archetype: The original pattern of which all things of the same species are representations or copies; original idea, model or type. 
 
Elements of a Fairytale/myth: Characters (antagonist and protagonist), Setting (usually a castle or enchanted forest), Conflict (between good and evil), and Moral and Resolution (a "fairy tale" ending).