TESSELLATIONS Key Artist: M.C. Escher What is a Tessellation? Look for similarities Examples Student example Take another look So what is a Tessellation? Which do you like better? Dinosaurs Triangles Tessellations usually look better when there is no white space showing (no negative space). FAMOUS TESSELLATIONS M.C. Escher Alhambra Escher visited the Alhambra (a castle in Spain) in 1922. The decorative designs in the castle inspired his work with tessellations. Designs on the walls of the Alhambra What you need… A SQUARE of constructions paper – any colour. Scissors Tape How to… After you make sure that your square is indeed a square… cut across the square in an interesting The cut has to go from way. one side to the other. How to… Tape the uncut straight sides together. Tape How to… Now cut the paper again, this time starting at a squiggly side and ending on the opposite squiggly side. How to… Tape together the two flat side again. Now use your shape as a template and trace it repeatedly to get a pattern. Can you make something out of the shape? In your sketchbook, trace your shape a few time and try to come up with at least 2 images. Work alone or in pairs! Objectives create artworks, integrating themes found through direct observation, personal experience, and imagination examine the role and the influence of visual images in their daily lives, including mass media and popular culture recognize that, and investigate how art as a human activity emerges from human needs, values, beliefs, ideas, and experiences
