Homes and Habitats
A primary school banner project with artist Atsushi Kaga
The project
Dublin-based Atsushi Kaga visited 11 classes in 8 schools sharing with approximately 300 children his drawing skills and design knowledge. The programme was designed over three 90 minute sessions during which participants with the help of the artist were to design and construct on paper two large banners later to be displayed in the town centre as part of the run-up to the Junction Festival.
The process
The children were invited to draw an alter ego for themselves. Using illustrations from classical and contemporary Art history as well as example of his own work, Atsushi explained his creative process to the children and shared some of his drawing tips with them. The images were then assembled on a large scroll like banner and the children were asked to create a setting and a story in which to fit their characters. During the course of this process, more characters as well as scenery, speech bubbles and sound effects were added to great effect.
The outcome
In total 22 individual artworks with accompanying stories were made. The resulting banners were vibrant and busy poster-like images which were displayed throughout town. Special signage acknowledging the participating class, a synopsis of the story as well as logo of the partners involved (ie. Junction, Abbott and the Arts Council of Ireland were made.
Participating schools: St-Oliver’s N.S., Gaelscoil Clonmel, St-Peter &Paul’s, Grange N.S., Ballymacarbry N.S., Powerstown N.S., Lisronagh N.S., Presentation Primary.
Looking ahead
Next year, it is envisaged that a similar format will be used to generate more street images with food as the central theme under the title ‘Funny Foods, Fruity Faces”. This will be an occasion for an exciting visual exploration of still life and portraits with a special focus on the works of Italian renaissance artist Giusseppe Archimboldo. For more info, watch this space from January or contact theresia@junctionfestival.com
