Navajo Sand Painting

Temporary vs. Permanent Art

Navajo Sand Painting

• Based on the Navajo ideal of beauty, harmony, and well-being

• Ceremonial healing purposes– Communicated with spirits thought to have healing

powers to cure illness– The goal of each ceremony is to bring the ill back to

harmony and health– The ill are supposed to internalize the images in the

sand painting to find their own inner harmony and heal

Navajo Sand Painting

• The images in sand paintings came from memories/histories passed down through generations of healers

• Always DESTROYED after the ceremony• Literally called “Iikhááh”, meaning “they enter

and leave”• Although traditionally temporary, they are

sometimes glued down and sold in more recent times

Navajo Sand Painting (Some images exist)

Navajo Sand Painting (Some images exist)

Navajo Sand Painting (Some images exist)

Navajo Sand Painting (Some images exist)

Temporary Art

Temporary Art

• Ellis Gallagher• Shadow Artist from New York

Temporary Art

• Andres Amador: Earthscape artist• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T_tIG5mo

1DM

Temporary Art

• Dangerdust: Anonymous do-gooders • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ao1ek82Pi

pU

Temporary vs. Permanence

• What are the pros and cons of art being temporary?

• What are the pros and cons of art being permanent?

• What is the purpose of Art?

Assignment (Stop Here for Phase 1!)

• Working individually first, brainstorm potential temporary works of art that could be accomplished in or around our building

• We may need to take a field trip around the building to look for inspiration

• Materials must be cheap and minimal – Use something that does not require a lot of materials– Think about using something that is already there– Think about using something that is directly related to the space

• The work must be intended to have a positive impact on the people who typically inhabit the space (staff and students)

Assignment Continued (Phase 2)

• After you have a number of your own ideas, we will form groups based on similarity of ideas– Similarity in purpose– Similarity in message

• Working with your group, find a way to bind your ideas into one, OR develop a new idea altogether using input from each group member

• Each group member must have a direct responsibility in the creation of the piece (must be recorded)

Assignment Continued

• Things to consider:– How are you going to document your progress?– How are you going to photograph/film the

finished project to capture its full effect?– Your documentation will be part of your

assessment, and it needs to be appropriate and suitable for viewers of all ages

– What will your materials be?

My Example: Food Labeling

My Example: Food Labeling

My Example: Food Labeling

My Example: Food Labeling