Communications
Identity: Study the artwork carefully. Slowly assume the pose and facial expression of the subject. Pose in front of a mirror or ask someone to photograph you while you refine the pose. Freeze for a few seconds and pay attention to parts of your body. Study the facial expression to find clues to the subject’s identity. Make adjustments as needed.
Staging: Use anything you have at home for props and costumes. Props do not have to be absolutely identical. They can be similar to those in the original artwork in shape and size but be made of something entirely different. It is important to try to match basic features of the scene. Match colors and lighting as much as you can.
Character: It’s useful to have a family member who will act as a director to help you place things and guide you in assuming the pose and facial expression of the subject in your artwork. Have someone photograph you, use a timer, or take a selfie.
Analyze: What new insights did you gain through becoming the character in the artwork? In other words, what did you learn about the original artwork that you didn’t understand before?
Narrative: If you have willing family members, you can create a more complex narrative scene with multiple figures.
Photographs: Download or take screenshots of the two artworks that inspired your living tableaus. Take a selfie or have someone take a photo of you in in each of your living tableaus.
Write: Explain in detail what creating each tableau taught you about the original artwork. What did you learn about the character or characters? About the artist’s message? About the artist’s use of figures, objects, and space? About the artist’s use of contrast, texture, degree of realism, and other visual qualities? Discuss all of these and anything else that is important.
