Common Core Connections
Activity
Analyzing and
discussing works
of art
Note: artwork can
function as a kind of
text!
Common Core Connection
Reading 1—Use evidence to support analysis of a text
Reading 2—Analyze a theme or central idea of a text
Reading 6—Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text
Speaking & Listening 1—Participate in a range of collaborative
discussions
Writing an artist
statement for a
self-portrait
Writing 2—Writing informative/explanatory texts
Language 1, 2, 3—Use correct English conventions in writing
Language 6—Use academic English vocabulary in writing
Presenting selfportrait/Giving an
artist talk about
self-portrait
Speaking and Listening 4 (Grades 1, 3, 6-7, 9-10)—Planning and
delivering an expository presentation
Additional Resources on Artists
Njideka Akunyili Crosby
Artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Interview with Arise Live
Video interview by Bronx Teen Council
Romare Bearden
Biography and artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Interactive multimedia: The Art of Romare Bearden
Video: Romare Bearden on His Imagery and Symbols
Robert Colescott
Artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Sargent Johnson
Biography and artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Interactive multimedia: Sargent Johnson
Video: Sargent Johnson on Surviving the Great Depression
Glenn Ligon
Artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Interactive multimedia: Glenn Ligon’s Self-Portraits
Video: Glenn Ligon on Self-Portraits
Video: Glenn Ligon on Confronting Slavery
Video: Glenn Ligon Discusses Day of Absence
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Carrie Mae Weems
Artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Audio with images: Carrie Mae Weems Artist Talk
Videos and activities from Art21
Kehinde Wiley
Article from The New York Times
Lynette Yiadom-Boakye
Artwork in SFMOMA’s collection
Possible Sequence for Classroom Implementation
This is just one way you could sketch out a sequence of instruction for this project. These days could be
consecutive or broken up, depending on your class context, and could easily be expanded as part of a
larger unit, which could include other texts (literature, film, etc.).
Day One—Small Group Discussion:
 In small groups, students view and discuss one example of a portrait or self-portrait, first
using a personal lens, then adding to their understanding by looking at the work through a
contextual lens (video, article, interview, etc.).
 Each group then prepares a short presentation about their discussion of the work for the class;
presentations could include discussion questions.
Day Two—Jigsaw:
 Groups present to the whole class, with students taking notes on each of the works.
 Each student selects one work that resonates with them the most, and writes a short reflection
piece. As an option, printed copies of all of the works could be posted around the room and
students could have a moment to do a short gallery walk before or after the group
presentations.
Day Three—Brainstorm:
 Students complete the brainstorm graphic organizer to plan out their self-portraits.
 Each student shares their brainstorm with a partner, giving and receiving feedback.
 If time permits, students could begin sketching or working on their self-portraits.
Day Four—Work Day:
 Students create self-portraits.
 At the end of class, students reflect on their progress.
Day Five—Artist Statements:
 Students read and discuss example artist statements, ideally from the artists whose work
students discussed previously, but also potentially from other artists to whom you have
introduced students before.
 Students plan and begin to write artist statements.
 If there is extra time, students could work on self-portraits.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Day 6—Presentation:
 Students share their self-portraits through a gallery walk and/or partner/small group
presentation.
 Optionally, a few students could choose to present to the whole class.
 Depending on your goals, students could respond to their classmates’ self-portraits and/or to
the entire project of creating self-portraits, from viewing works of art to creating and writing
about their own work.
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art