As part of our National Skills Academy membership, the Croydon College Art Department have had the opportunity to work with The Horniman Museum this term.
During their work with the Museum, Croydon College Level 3 Year 2 Art & Design learners are developing a deconstruction project called ‘Taking Things Apart’. The Museum provided the college with thirteen objects on loan until December, originating from West Africa and other BAME cultures. Some students have taken the time to draw, photograph or research the objects to find out more and deconstruct their meaning and representations.
Natalie Garner, Head of Creative Arts said, ‘The project has been a great success and given our students an opportunity to learn more about the history of The Horniman Museum and the objects it collects.’
Take a look at some student testimonials on their work with the Museum:
‘It was interesting. I liked learning about culture and colonialism impacted on the world.’ Jireh
‘I learned how other cultures do storytelling with puppets and how they pass down stories from generations. They also use the puppets to spread religion or for education purposes which I found very interesting. Some cultures use songs but they use stories and puppets to document histories and stories. The project inspired me to make my own puppet.’ Abdi
‘It was great to look and be able to touch the objects because usually you can’t do that in a museum.’ Paulina
‘I liked the way the museum is about respect and diversity and show different objects and cultures that you normally wouldn’t get to see.’ Wiktoria
‘You get to figure out how the object works and moves. It was interesting to get to interact with object you normally wouldn’t get the chance to interact with. The project has inspired me to do work experience or work with the museum as you are interested in history and culture.’ Katie
