In the United Kingdom February is LGBT History Month , time used to observe lesbian , gay , bisexual and transgender history and to think about and reflect on the importance of gay rights and the journey which has been taken to get to where we are today.
In the Classroom we have raised the question 'Are popular shows changing their attitudes towards LGBT+ characters?' ; we have also been lucky enough to participate in two National Portrait Gallery workshops centered around LGBT History.
Students looked at the work of artist Grayson Perry and used his work as inspiration for printing patterns , and also read excerpts of Oscar Wildes play 'The importance of being Earnest' and used this as inspitation to create stage scenes using a variety of materials.
Throughout the second workshop students were invited to explore traditional marbling techniques in order to create badges with positive slogans focused on something that they are passionate about; to create pomanders with a view to reflect on attitudes toward homosexuality in the tudor times; and to explore finger knitting , using knitted figures of Elton John as inspiration.
The workshops raised some thought provokig questions and highlighted the positive changes which society has taken to get to where we are today.
The photographs below illustrate the learning experience we have had
An traditional method of marbling was practised; Carageenan musk (seaweed) was put in the water to increase the density; Alum was used to prepare the paper; making sure that it was ready to recieve the paint andnewspaper was used to clean the surfaceof the water so that the marbeling process could be repaeated.
This method produced stunning outcomes.
As a Rights Respecting Schoool we recognise :
Art 13 - Freedom of Expression