Basic 9 · Creative Arts and Design · Creative and Aesthetic Expression
Art for Topical Issues and Displaying Music
In this topic you will design and produce visual artworks that reflect different times, cultures and topical issues, and plan and display musical works from Africa that sensitise the public to emerging issues.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Produce an artwork on a topical issue
- Explain how art reflects time and culture
- Plan a display of African music on topical issues
What you already know
- Elements of art
- Composing music
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Visual Arts
- Sub-strand
- Creative and Aesthetic Expression
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.1.1 – Design and produce own visual artworks that reflect a range of different times cultures and topical issues
Introduction
A painting can make people stop and think about something they would rather ignore.
1. Art Reflects Its Time
Artists respond to the world around them. Before independence, Ghanaian artists such as Kofi Antubam promoted national identity through their work, which included designs for state regalia. The artist Ablade Glover uses a palette knife to paint crowded markets and landscapes that capture the energy of modern Ghana. In South Africa, art was a tool in the struggle against apartheid. All of these works tell us about their time and place.
2. Possible Topical Issues
| Issue | Possible artwork |
|---|---|
| climate change | sculpture from plastic waste |
| galamsey | painting of a polluted river |
| child rights | poster series |
| road safety | mural |
| mental health | expressive drawing |
| peace in elections | banner |
3. Producing Your Artwork
- Pick an issue that you care about.
- Research the facts.
- Write the message in one sentence.
- Sketch several ideas.
- Choose suitable media and techniques.
- Make the artwork.
- Write an artist's statement.
An artist's statement explains the meaning of your work and how it was made. Use elements and principles to strengthen your message: dark colours may suggest danger, while a large central figure draws attention. Symbols help too. Adinkra symbols, for example, can carry deep meanings within a design. A tree with no leaves might represent environmental loss. Combining words and images can make a poster very effective.
4. Art and Responsibility
Art has power, and it should be used with care. Do not spread false information or insult individuals or groups. Check your facts. When you work on sensitive issues, think about how the people concerned will feel. An artwork about child labour should respect the dignity of the children it shows, for example by not showing identifiable real children without permission.
5. Traditional Forms with Modern Messages
You could use traditional forms to communicate new ideas. A modern kente pattern might include colours symbolising unity, or a carved stool could have a message about the environment. This mix of old and new is an important part of modern African art. It shows that culture can stay alive by responding to the present.
New words
- topical issue
- A subject of current concern.
- artist's statement
- A short text explaining an artwork.
- symbol
- Something that stands for an idea.
- mural
- A large painting on a wall.
Summary
- Art reflects the time and culture in which it is made.
- Artworks can address issues such as galamsey and child rights.
- Artists must act responsibly and check facts.
Class activity: Issue Artwork
- Choose an issue.
- Make an artwork on it.
- Write an artist's statement.
You need: Pencils, Drawing paper, Printed photographs of Ghanaian stools, Baskets
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A large wall painting is a…
- A. mural
- B. relief
- C. cast
- D. pleat
Show answer
Answer: muralWall art.2. Ablade Glover is known for painting with a…
- A. palette knife
- B. spray can
- C. hot wax
- D. stick
Show answer
Answer: palette knifeTechnique.3. Art can respond to social issues.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TruePurpose.4. Something that stands for an idea is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: symbolMeaning.5. Give two topical issues suitable for art.
Show answer
Answer: Climate change and road safety.Any two.6. What should an artist's statement contain?
Show answer
Answer: The meaning of the work and how it was made.Statement.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Performing Arts (Music)
- Sub-strand
- Creative and Aesthetic Expression
- Indicator
- B9.2.2.2.5 – Plan and display own and others’ musical works within the African continent that promote and sensitize the public on emerging topical issues
Introduction
Music has helped African people to mourn, protest and celebrate. A well-planned display can share that power with your community.
1. African Music with a Message
| Musician | Country | Issue |
|---|---|---|
| Miriam Makeba | South Africa | apartheid |
| Fela Kuti | Nigeria | corruption, military rule |
| Lucky Dube | South Africa | justice and unity |
| Rocky Dawuni | Ghana | the environment, peace |
| Angélique Kidjo | Benin | rights of girls and women |
Miriam Makeba sang against apartheid and was forced to live in exile. Fela Kuti's song Zombie mocked the blind obedience of soldiers and brought him trouble with the Nigerian government. These artists show that music can have real political weight, and that speaking the truth may cost something.
2. Planning a Display
- Choose a theme such as peace or the environment.
- Select songs and research them.
- Arrange a programme.
- Prepare posters and short notes about each song.
- Plan the venue and sound equipment.
- Assign roles.
- Rehearse.
- Hold the event and gather feedback.
3. Forms of Display
| Form | Example |
|---|---|
| live concert | school assembly or a durbar |
| listening exhibition | songs with information panels |
| radio slot | a local radio programme |
| video or online | a class video |
4. Sensitising the Public
To sensitise means to make people aware of an issue. Choose songs that fit your audience and use a language that they understand. Short talks between songs can explain the issue, and a final call to action tells people what to do. If you perform your own music, say so, and acknowledge the writers of any songs you use. Checking lyrics first is important: some songs may contain words that are unsuitable for a school.
5. Evaluating the Event
After the event, ask whether the audience understood the message. How many people attended? Did the sound work? What would you change? Keep the poster, programme and feedback in your portfolio as a record. A well-run event builds skills in planning, publicity and teamwork, all of which are useful in the wider creative industries.
New words
- sensitise
- To make people aware of an issue.
- exile
- Being forced to live away from home.
- programme
- The planned order of an event.
- lyrics
- The words of a song.
Summary
- African musicians have addressed apartheid, corruption and rights.
- Planning a display involves theme, songs, venue and roles.
- Displays aim to raise awareness and call for action.
Class activity: Music Display Plan
- Choose a theme and three African songs.
- Prepare a programme.
- Present your plan to the class.
You need: Atumpan drum, Wooden clappers, Printed music notation cards
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Miriam Makeba sang against…
- A. apartheid
- B. farming
- C. fishing
- D. rainfall
Show answer
Answer: apartheidSouth Africa.2. Fela Kuti came from…
- A. Nigeria
- B. Ghana
- C. Kenya
- D. Egypt
Show answer
Answer: NigeriaAfrobeat.3. Music can raise awareness of issues.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueSensitise.4. The words of a song are its ______.
Show answer
Answer: lyricsSong.5. State three steps in planning a music display.
Show answer
Answer: Choose a theme, select songs and arrange a programme.Any three.6. Why should lyrics be checked before a school display?
Show answer
Answer: Some songs may contain unsuitable language.Care.
Homework
- Research one African musician and write about the issue addressed in their work.