Happy Unbirthday, Surrealists

THE ARTS

THE ARTSArt Fundamental students sang “Happy Unbirthday” to the Surrealists in an assignment from Upper School Art Teacher Holly Clifford. Students selected Surrealist artists and examined their lives and work, detailing, in their sketchbooks, information such as dates of birth and death, places of residence, family information, relationships and influences, training, significant life events, mediums explored, interesting facts, and fun stories.

Founded in Paris in 1924, Surrealism was an artistic and literary movement. It proposed that the Enlightenment—the influential 17th- and 18th-century intellectual movement that championed reason and individualism—had suppressed the superior qualities of the irrational, unconscious mind. Surrealism’s goal was to liberate thought, language, and human experience from the oppressive boundaries of rationalism.

What’s an unbirthday without a card and gift? Students painted, colored and collaged unbirthday cards to reflect their chosen artisan’s style and drew or made unbirthday gifts based on what they learned about their artist. The celebration culminated with sweet treats and students presenting why their gift was fitting based on what they learned about their artist.