Basic 8 · Creative Arts and Design · Drawing
Three-Dimensional Models, Ghanaian Visual Artists and Art Composers
In this topic you will develop three-dimensional models of simple shapes and forms from nets for display, identify Ghanaian visual artists whose works reflect history and culture, and distinguish how works of Ghanaian art composers reflect history, culture and topical issues.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Make and display three-dimensional models from nets
- Identify and discuss Ghanaian visual artists and their works
- Describe how Ghanaian art composers reflect history and culture in their music
What you already know
- Templates and models
- Indigenous and art musicians (Basic 7)
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Design
- Sub-strand
- Drawing
- Indicator
- B8.1.2.1.3 – Demonstrate ability to generate design ideas and develop models of simple shapes and forms for appreciation and display
Introduction
A cube, a cuboid and a pyramid can all be made from flat card. These simple forms are the building blocks of boxes, packages and model buildings.
1. Three-Dimensional Shapes and Their Nets
| Form | Faces | Net |
|---|---|---|
| cube | 6 equal squares | six squares joined in a cross or T shape |
| cuboid | 6 rectangles (opposite faces equal) | rectangles joined so they fold into a box |
| square-based pyramid | 1 square and 4 triangles | a square with a triangle on each side |
| triangular prism | 2 triangles and 3 rectangles | three rectangles in a row with a triangle at each end |
| cylinder | 2 circles and 1 curved rectangle | a rectangle with a circle at each end |
2. Drawing a Net
- Decide the size of each face and measure with a ruler.
- Draw the faces accurately on cardboard so they share edges.
- Add joining flaps on alternate edges.
- Mark fold lines with dashes and cutting lines with solid lines.
- Score fold lines lightly with a ruler and the back of a blade.
- Cut out, fold and glue the flaps with starch paste.
3. Decorating and Displaying Models
Models can be decorated with paint, coloured paper or printed patterns. A cube can become a gift box decorated with adinkra symbols; a cuboid can become a model house; a pyramid can be part of a model monument. Display models on a table with labels showing the form, the net used and the design idea.
4. Models in Real Life
Packaging designers use nets to make boxes for products such as tea, toothpaste and phones. Architects make models of buildings before construction. Understanding nets helps in mathematics, design and technology.
New words
- net
- A flat shape that folds into a 3D form.
- face
- A flat surface of a 3D form.
- score
- To press a line so card folds neatly.
- cuboid
- A 3D form with six rectangular faces.
Summary
- Simple 3D forms include cubes, cuboids, pyramids, prisms and cylinders.
- Nets are drawn accurately with flaps, fold lines and cutting lines, then cut, folded and glued.
- Models can be decorated and displayed, and nets are used in packaging and architecture.
Class activity: Model Making
- Draw nets for a cube and a pyramid on cardboard.
- Cut, fold, glue and decorate the models.
- Display them with labels.
You need: Cardboard, Wooden ruler, Starch paste
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. How many faces does a cube have?
- A. 6
- B. 4
- C. 8
- D. 5
Show answer
Answer: 6Six squares.2. A square-based pyramid has…
- A. 1 square and 4 triangles
- B. 6 squares
- C. 2 circles
- D. 3 rectangles
Show answer
Answer: 1 square and 4 trianglesFaces.3. A net folds into a three-dimensional form.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueFlat to solid.4. A flat surface of a 3D form is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: faceSide.5. List the steps in making a cube from cardboard.
Show answer
Answer: Measure and draw the net, add flaps, mark and score folds, cut, fold and glue.Steps.6. Why do packaging designers use nets?
Show answer
Answer: Nets allow boxes to be cut from flat sheets, stored flat and folded into strong packages.Packaging.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Connections in Local and Global Cultures
- Indicator
- B8.2.3.1.1 – Identify and discuss visual artists whose work reflected the history culture, environment and topical issues in the community
Introduction
Ghana has produced artists whose works are admired around the world. Their art reflects our history, culture, environment and topical issues.
1. Some Ghanaian Visual Artists
| Artist | Field | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Kofi Antubam (1922–1964) | painter and designer | created artworks and designs for state buildings; wrote "Ghana's Heritage of Culture" |
| Amon Kotei (1915–2011) | artist and designer | designed Ghana's coat of arms |
| Vincent Kofi (1923–1974) | sculptor | large wooden and concrete sculptures of Ghanaian figures |
| Ablade Glover (born 1934) | painter | colourful crowd and market scenes painted with a palette knife |
| El Anatsui (born 1944) | sculptor | huge hangings made from bottle tops; won the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale (2015) |
| Owusu-Ankomah (born 1956) | painter | paintings filled with adinkra-like symbols and human figures |
2. How Their Work Reflects Society
El Anatsui's bottle-top hangings recall kente cloth and comment on consumption, trade and waste. Ablade Glover's market scenes capture the energy of Ghanaian crowds. Amon Kotei's coat of arms contains symbols of the nation's resources, such as a cocoa tree and a gold mine. Each artist links art to the life of the people.
3. Studying an Artist
- Find the artist's name, dates and background.
- Identify the subjects and themes of their works.
- Note the media and techniques they use.
- Explain how their work reflects history, culture, environment or topical issues.
- Give your own appreciation of one work.
4. Comparing Two Artists
Compare two artists by their media, subjects and messages. For example, Ablade Glover uses paint and a palette knife to show crowds, while El Anatsui uses recycled bottle tops and wire to make sculptures. Both reflect Ghanaian life, but in very different ways.
New words
- visual artist
- A person who creates art that is seen, such as paintings and sculptures.
- sculptor
- An artist who makes three-dimensional works.
- palette knife
- A flat blade used to apply paint.
- coat of arms
- A national emblem with symbols.
Summary
- Ghanaian visual artists include Kofi Antubam, Amon Kotei, Vincent Kofi, Ablade Glover, El Anatsui and Owusu-Ankomah.
- Their works reflect history, culture, environment and topical issues.
- Studying an artist involves background, themes, media, meaning and appreciation.
Class activity: Artist Profiles
- Examine reproductions of works by Ghanaian artists.
- Match them to profile cards.
- Compare two artists on chart paper and present.
You need: Printed reproductions of works by local Ghanaian artists, Printed artist-profile cards, Chart paper with pencils
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Who designed Ghana's coat of arms?
- A. Amon Kotei
- B. El Anatsui
- C. Ablade Glover
- D. Vincent Kofi
Show answer
Answer: Amon KoteiNational emblem.2. El Anatsui is famous for artworks made from…
- A. bottle tops
- B. clay pots
- C. sand
- D. paper only
Show answer
Answer: bottle topsRecycled materials.3. Ablade Glover is known for market and crowd scenes.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TruePalette knife.4. An artist who makes three-dimensional works is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: sculptor3D artist.5. Name three Ghanaian visual artists and one contribution of each.
Show answer
Answer: Amon Kotei: coat of arms; El Anatsui: bottle-top sculptures; Ablade Glover: market paintings.Any three.6. How does El Anatsui's work reflect topical issues?
Show answer
Answer: By using discarded bottle tops, it comments on consumption, trade and waste while recalling kente.Recycling and culture.
Lesson 3
- Strand
- Performing Arts (Music)
- Sub-strand
- Connections in Local and Global Cultures
- Indicator
- B8.2.3.2.4 – Distinguish different ways musical works of Ghanaian art composers reflect the history culture environment and topical issues
Introduction
Art composers write music down so it can be performed by choirs and orchestras. Ghanaian art composers combine African rhythms and languages with written musical forms.
1. What Is an Art Composer?
Art composer: A trained musician who writes original music in notation, often for choirs, orchestras or solo instruments.
2. Some Ghanaian Art Composers
| Composer | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Ephraim Amu (1899–1995) | patriotic choral works such as "Yɛn Ara Asase Ni"; promoted the atenteben and African styles in church and school music |
| J. H. Kwabena Nketia (1921–2019) | composer and leading scholar of African music; wrote "The Music of Africa" (1974) |
| N. Z. Nayo | composer of choral works rooted in Ewe musical traditions |
| other Ghanaian choral composers | church anthems and songs used at festivals and national events |
3. How Their Music Reflects Ghana
Ghanaian art composers reflect the nation in several ways. They set Ghanaian language texts so that the melody follows the speech tones. They use local rhythms such as Adowa or Agbadza patterns. They write about history and patriotism, as in Amu's songs calling for love of the land. They also address topical issues, such as unity and hard work.
4. Listening and Comparing
- Listen to short excerpts of works by two composers.
- Note the language, instruments, rhythm and mood.
- Identify the message or theme.
- Compare one similarity and one difference between the works.
- Explain how each reflects Ghanaian history or culture.
New words
- art composer
- A trained musician who writes music in notation.
- choral music
- Music for a choir.
- notation
- Written symbols for music.
- speech tone
- The rise and fall of pitch in spoken words.
Summary
- Art composers write original music in notation for choirs and instruments.
- Ghanaian art composers include Ephraim Amu, J. H. Kwabena Nketia and N. Z. Nayo.
- Their music reflects Ghana through language, rhythms, history, patriotism and topical themes.
Class activity: Composer Comparison
- Listen to works by two Ghanaian art composers.
- Complete a comparison chart.
- Present one similarity and one difference.
You need: Mobile phone with offline works by Ephraim Amu, J H Kwabena Nketia, Printed composer-profile cards, Printed score excerpts
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Who composed "Yɛn Ara Asase Ni"?
- A. Ephraim Amu
- B. El Anatsui
- C. Amon Kotei
- D. Ablade Glover
Show answer
Answer: Ephraim AmuPatriotic song.2. J. H. Kwabena Nketia wrote the book…
- A. "The Music of Africa"
- B. "Things Fall Apart"
- C. "The Marriage of Anansewa"
- D. "Anowa"
Show answer
Answer: "The Music of Africa"1974.3. Art composers write music in notation.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueWritten music.4. Music written for a choir is ______ music.
Show answer
Answer: choralChoir music.5. State two ways Ghanaian art composers reflect Ghanaian culture.
Show answer
Answer: Using Ghanaian languages with melodies that follow speech tones, and local rhythms.Any two.6. Why must composers consider speech tones when setting Ghanaian languages?
Show answer
Answer: In tonal languages, pitch changes meaning, so the melody must follow the tones to keep the words' meaning.Tonal languages.
Homework
- Research one Ghanaian visual artist or art composer and write a one-page profile.