The artists in Midnight Party took things that are unseen (hopes, fears, dreams, beliefs, memories, etc.) and found a way to make them visible through a work of visual art.

This ArtsConnectEd set will explore the common theme found throughout Midnight Party: inspiration found within the artists' subconscious minds.

Through this lesson, we will seek to answer the question: What role can the subconscious mind play in creating and interpreting a work of art?

One term that comes up again and again with this exhibit is the word subconscious.  Before moving any further, let's talk about what that word means. 

Subconscious thoughts are the thoughts in our mind of which we are not fully aware. These are the types of thoughts that are just "under the surface".

Let's try an activity.  As you read the list of words below, write down the first word that comes to mind:

• shadows: _____________
• dreams: _____________
• meat: _____________
• bicycle: _____________
• oil: _____________
• frog: _____________
• midnight: _____________

The words you wrote down were influenced by your subconscious.  No two people will think of the exact same things because we all have had different life experiences that shape our subconscious thoughts and memories.

When an artwork doesn't represent something from the physical world (things we can see, touch, or hear), many people may have a hard time understanding why an artist would create such a piece.

Look at the artwork on the following slides and then make a guess about what inspired the artist to create it.  Use these questions to help guide your thinking as you interpret each work of art: 

1. What do you notice? (things you see)

2. How does the artwork make you feel? (mood)

3. What does the artwork remind you of? (memories)

4. What questions does the artwork raise for you?

After using these guiding questions for each artwork, make a guess about what you believe the artist's subconscious inspiration was for each artwork: Their hopes? Dreams? Fears? Memories? Etc.

Now that you thought more about what inspired the artists in Midnight Party, let's explore how the artists communicate their ideas.  

Artists often use symbols or metaphors in their artwork to help tell a story.

A symbol is something that stands for something else (ex. a heart is a symbol that represents love).  

A metaphor is an activity or idea that is used as a symbol of something else (ex. a bird in flight is a metaphor for freedom).  

View the following slides.  What symbols or metaphors can you find in each artwork?  What do you think they mean?

Sometimes artists use juxtaposition to create a specific effect.  Juxtaposition places contrasting images or elements side by side; the viewer then notices the differences or similarites between them. Using juxtaposition may change the meaning or effect of each element.  

Look at the following artworks and answer these questions for each slide:

1. What items or elements are juxtaposed in each artwork?

2. How does the use of juxtaposition impact the meaning/symbolism of each element?

3. Reflect on what subconscious associations you find yourself making when viewing the work.  In your opinion, what type of statement do you believe the artist is trying to make through their artwork?

Hopes, dreams, fears, beliefs, and memories influence our creative process on both a conscious and subconscious level.

After viewing this Midnight Party ArtsConnectEd set, you've reflected on the many ways an artist may communicate a message through their work.

Now it's your turn! You will be making a work of art that will represent the concepts you just learned as well as serving as a metaphor for the unseen things that shape us into who we are.

Use the attached lesson on the next slide for further instructions as you begin your project.

Good luck!