Interpreting "Fractured Lands" through Geometric Art

Objective:

Using drawing tools and color, students will create an example of geometric Islamic art. 

Students will demonstrate an understanding of the main ideas of Scott Anderson and Paolo Pellegrin's New York Times article, "Fractured Lands" and how this crisis affects art. 

Introducing the Lesson: 

First, students will learn about the general conflict of The Middle East, through the New York Times article,  "Fractured Lands." 

Click on the "Gateways" section at the right. Read through the Gateways  as well as  "Fractured Lands".

Answer the Fractured Lands "Gateways" questions:

1. What were the reasons behind the Arab Spring protests?
2. What is causing the Syrian Civil War?
3. What are the main parties involved in the conflict?
4. How has the rise of Isis affected the world?
5. How has the rise of Isis affected the United States?

After you have examined the Middle East conflict, you will next learn about how this conflict affects art. Click on the following link from New York Magazine called "How Isis Is Destroying Ancient Art in Iraq and Syria" by Margaret Hoffmann. 

Answer the following question:

Why is Isis destroying art?

As students, we can do very little to fight this destruction of art. But we CAN do something. 

If Isis is destroying art, then we will put more art out into the world.

Creating Your Own Art:

Using a ruler, a compass, a protractor, and some colors, you will create a geometric design inspired by Islamic Art. 

First, you should research a little about Islamic geometric art. A good place to start is by looking at two resources from Oxford's Museum of Science History:

Geometric Drawing in Islam

Creating a Mosaic Tile Using Equilateral Triangles and Squares

-Many Islamic designs have circles. The circle represents infinity. 

-Islamic Art often contains complex geometric patterns to support the idea of the infinity

-Islam forbids the image of people or animals

The following is one way to begin a geometric design. These steps were adapted from the Museum of Science History.

To start your drawing, use a compass to draw a cirlce on a piece of paper. Then, using a protractor, divide the circle into 45 degree sections, or 8 equal pie pieces. 

Next, using a compass, draw a smaller circle about 1/2 the size of the first circle you drew. 

Then, inside the larger circle, draw a square as shown:

Draw another square joining the following points.

Next, mark where the dividing lines meet the smaller circle. Then mark the points where the squares meet. 

Then join the dots to create an 8 point star. 

Here is another design that uses triangles and squares. Directions for this design is located HERE. 

After you have created a basic geometric design, you can create further patterns in the design and add color. Try to make the colors into a pattern. 

To complete your project, add a statement saying WHY you made it. 

Assessment

Grade your work according to the following rubric.

A Masterpiece: 17-20 points

Pretty Good!: 13-16 points

Eh, could have used a bit more...: 12 or fewer- points

Last, but most important. Put your artwork out into the world!

There are many places you could contact, such as your local Islamic center or Mosque. Ask them if you could donate your artwork or display it.