Monday, September 26, 2011

Native American Paintings


This is a painting by abstract expressionist Fritz Scholder, who was one fourth Native American. It is entitled "Heart Indian." Why do you think the painting is called that? Is "Heart Indian" like other images of American Indians you have seen? How is it the same? How is it different? I love the bright colors and bold brush strokes the artist uses. Here is another one of his paintings, titled "New Mexico No. 1."




Abstract expressionists do not try to paint things as they look, but instead try to give a feeling of something.
They use bright colors and bold strokes.

Compare the painting to the photograph of the New Mexican landscape, below.
How are they alike and different?


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Friday, September 16, 2011

What Does Freedom Mean to You?

This week we learned about the failure of Reconstruction. The photo above illustrates how racial segregation became the law of the land. As part of your test today, I asked you to write about what freedom means to you. Read or listen to this story about what freedom meant to a freed worker, told by her granddaughter. How does her story compare to your definition of freedom? Please leave a Comment with your section and name.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Last week we learned about the early years of Reconstruction, when several programs were started to give help to newly freed African Americans. This cartoon shows the President kicking something down the stairs. What do you think this is? Why is he behaving this way? How will this action affect Reconstruction?