Basic 6 · Creative Arts · Planning, Making and Composing
Symbolic Artworks on Global Issues
In this topic you will create your own symbolic visual artworks that communicate, educate or sensitise the public on topical issues in the world.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Identify topical global issues
- Use symbols to communicate ideas in art
- Create a symbolic artwork with a clear message
What you already know
- Artworks on topical issues in Africa (Basic 5)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
- Strand
- Visual & Performing Arts
- Sub-strand
- Planning, Making and Composing
- Indicator
- B6.2.2.3 – Create own symbolic visual artworks that communicate educate or sensitize the public on some topical issues in the world
Introduction
A dove for peace, a globe for the world and a dripping tap for water scarcity are symbols that people everywhere understand. Artists use symbols to send powerful messages about world issues.
1. Topical Global Issues
| Issue | Possible symbols |
|---|---|
| climate change | a melting globe, a thermometer, a dry cracked earth |
| plastic pollution in oceans | a fish trapped in a plastic bag |
| peace and conflict | a dove, a broken gun, joined hands |
| health and pandemics | a face mask, washing hands, a syringe for vaccines |
| refugees and migration | footprints, a boat, a suitcase |
| hunger | an empty bowl, a wilting crop |
| child rights and education | a school bag, a book, an open door |
2. Using Symbols Effectively
- Choose symbols that most people will recognise.
- Keep the design simple with one main message.
- Use colour to support the message (green for life, grey for pollution, blue for water).
- Add a short slogan if needed, e.g. "One Planet, One Future".
- Combine symbols carefully, e.g. a globe shaped like a melting ice cream for global warming.
3. Making the Artwork
- Choose an issue and research it.
- Decide your message in one sentence.
- Brainstorm symbols and sketch three ideas.
- Select the strongest idea and choose your medium (poster, collage, painting or sculpture from waste).
- Create the artwork and add a title.
- Write an artist statement explaining your symbols and message.
4. Art for Change
Artworks on world issues are displayed in schools, streets, newspapers and online. Murals painted during the Chale Wote Street Art Festival in Accra have addressed issues such as unity and the environment. Symbolic art can educate people, change attitudes and encourage action.
New words
- symbol
- An image that stands for an idea.
- global
- Concerning the whole world.
- sensitise
- To make people aware of an issue.
- slogan
- A short, memorable phrase.
- refugee
- A person forced to leave their country.
- pandemic
- A disease spreading across many countries.
Summary
- Artists use symbols to communicate world issues.
- Choose clear symbols, a simple design and supporting colours.
- Plan, sketch, create and explain your artwork.
- Symbolic art can educate and inspire action.
Class activity: World Issues Poster
- Choose a global issue.
- Create a symbolic poster with a slogan.
- Present it and explain your symbols.
You need: Pencils, Crayons, Old cartons, Manila paper, Kente, Adinkra samples
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A dove is a common symbol of…
- A. peace
- B. war
- C. hunger
- D. pollution
Show answer
Answer: peaceRecognised worldwide.2. To make people aware of an issue is to…
- A. sensitise them
- B. ignore them
- C. confuse them
- D. hide it
Show answer
Answer: sensitise themRaise awareness.3. A good symbolic artwork has…
- A. one clear message
- B. many confusing messages
- C. no title
- D. tiny symbols
Show answer
Answer: one clear messageSimplicity.4. Colour can support the message of an artwork.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: Truee.g. grey for pollution.5. Symbols should be very hard to understand.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseThey should be recognisable.6. A short, memorable phrase on a poster is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: slogane.g. "Act Now!"7. Suggest symbols for two global issues.
Show answer
Answer: Climate change: melting globe. Plastic pollution: fish in a plastic bag.Any two.8. How can symbolic art change people's behaviour?
Show answer
Answer: It makes issues easy to understand and emotional, encouraging people to think and act differently.Art for change.
Homework
- Collect three symbols used in adverts or posters and explain their meanings.