When considering collaborative projects the Grade 8 students
might undertake this year, our attention began to drift toward iconic contemporary
images of Japan that may be relevant to our students. Here in Osaka, one of the
most iconic artists is Osamu Tezuka who created the animated character of
‘Astro Boy’ during the 1950’s. This popular series introduced Japanese anime to
the world and in doing so effectively opened the floodgates to the overwhelming
range of manga-style characters that continue to emerge today.
With five class groups undertaking this particular collaborative
project, it was decided that each team would work on a different classic Astro
Boy pose by following a standard grid system to enlarge the selected
illustration to an oversized format. Each student was responsible for two of
the enlarged grids and begun by firstly outlining the line work with black
paint. For a suitable decorative element, we began to investigate the more
recent works of Chuck Close and were inspired to develop interesting coloured
patterns that would completely fill the image.
The use of bright pastels allowed for some interesting
colour combinations. By using cool colours for the outside and warm for the
character itself, the students were able to achieve a striking impact through
the use of contrast. As these five pieces were to be placed in the vast area of
the largely grey Genkan (the entrance foyer to the school), it would eventually
prove to be a wise decision. The completed final pieces were placed on their
own separate wall, providing a bold introduction to the school and its visual
art program, which effectively demonstrated the collaborative artistic efforts
of our talented Grade 8 students with this project.
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