Being an Art Detective
What is an art detective?
“Elementary, my dear Watson”
Embodying an art detective is a really fun and engaging way for us to think critically about art. Oh, and did we mention that at Raleigh Kids Art Gallery, it’s fun?? We make this time special. First, I put on my trench coat and detective hat, grab my magnifying glass, and turn on the Pink Panther theme song. Next, we pass around the magnifying glass to ask or answer questions about the piece we are looking at that day. Sometimes we use prompt questions based on our question dice, and other times, we sit with the artwork and come up with our own questions. Some days, we do both!
What questions do we ask?
We are all pretty familiar with question words: Who, What, Why, Where, When, and How. But how do we use those question words when talking about art? Really the sky's the limit, but here are some examples.
Who is the artist?
What do I feel when I look at the art?
Why was it made?
Where is the artist from?
When was this piece made?
How would I describe this artwork to my best friend?
BONUS QUESTIONS: Do I like it? If I could climb in this artwork, what would I feel, smell, hear, etc.
Compare and contrast:
A few times, we have made Venn diagrams to compare and contrast different artists, artwork, or artistic genres. One of my favorite side-by-side comparisons has been Jen Stark and Piet Mondrian. I really only ask what do we see that’s the same and what do we see that’s different. Kids never cease to amaze me with their insight and what they see that adults sometimes don’t!
Searching for Clues
When talking about art, it’s pretty common to hear “ugh, this is terrible!” or, the flip side, “I LOVE this one”. I like to remind everyone there is no bad art, but we definitely have preferences for what we like and dislike. This leads into even more conversations about what we like or dislike, specifically. Honestly, this is a hard question because sometimes we just have a bone-deep, visceral reaction to certain art. Sometimes, it just takes some time to figure out how we are feeling and why. Do we like the colors the artist chose? Maybe it’s the subject or the overall composition? Honestly, these are great questions to ask about so many different subjects, not just art!
Case Files:
Can I do this at home? The answer is a resounding YES! You can play games, ask questions, or even set up an art detective center in your home! All you need are some art prints, the questions dice or list, and maybe a magnifying glass for fun. With any art deck, you may want to double check that you feel comfortable with each print as a lot of classical art features nudity. As a note, none of these links benefit me in any way. I just want to share some of my favorite art detective resources. Let me know which one you try!
Who’s the artist game: https://www.eduweb.com/pintura/
Inside art game: https://eduweb.com/insideart/
Spot the difference art games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Spi3EKycc
Art deck: https://www.quailridgebooks.com/book/9781579129651
Question dice: https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/assets/Things-to-do/make-your-art-detective-dice.pdf
Detective questions: https://theartofeducation.edu/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Art-Detectives-Download.pdf
Embracing the role of an art detective transcends mere observation; it becomes a dynamic engagement with creativity. At Raleigh Kids Art Gallery, the experience is not only educational but imbued with joy and excitement. Equipped with a detective's gear and fueled by curiosity, children delve into the world of art armed with questions. From deciphering an artist's motivations to exploring personal reactions, every query unlocks a new perspective. Through comparisons, discussions, and playful exploration, young art enthusiasts uncover the nuances of expression and develop a deeper appreciation for artistic diversity. As they navigate through case files and embark on artistic adventures, the journey of discovery extends beyond the gallery walls, inviting them to cultivate their detective skills at home. With resources ranging from interactive games to thought-provoking question sets, the pursuit of art becomes an endless quest for insight and inspiration. So, don your detective hat and join the investigation – because in the world of art, every stroke tells a story waiting to be unraveled.