This week’s picture is of a CHINESE OPERA MASK using PRISMACOLOR MARKERS as the medium.
In this picture, your child explored:
- The visual arts in other cultures (China)
- The visual arts in relation to other artistic disciplines (theater, opera)
- Elements of design, pattern, and symmetry
THE DRAWING:
Chinese Opera Mask
This week’s drawing is of a Chinese Opera Mask. Chinese opera is a popular form of drama and musical theatre in China, dating back as far as the third century. The art form is characterized by performers in brightly colored costumes moving to dramatic music. Chinese opera varies dramatically from our western version of opera; it is complicated performing art combining singing, music, dialogue, acrobatics, martial arts and pantomime.
Most prominent in Chinese opera are actors wearing masks, which are frequently changed throughout the performance. These masks can be either actual masks, often made from wood, or thick face paint applied directly to the performer’s face.
The faces on the masks were often dramatically exaggerated, and used color to describe different characters’ personalities. Through the use of color, the audience would be able to instantly interpret a character’s nature.
- Red indicated devotion, courage & uprightness.
- Yellow signifies fierceness, ambition & coolheadedness.
- Blue represents staunchness, fierceness & astuteness.
- White suggests treacherousness, suspiciousness & craftiness.
- Black symbolizes roughness & fierceness.
- Purple stands for uprightness, sophistication & coolheadedness.
- Gold & silver are reserved for gods and spirits.
This site has further interesting explanations of different uses of color and design in Chinese opera masks.
THE MEDIUM:
Using Prismacolor Markers
Prismacolor Markers are fun and easy to use. These artist quality markers have two tips: a fine tip for coloring small spaces, and a broad, flat tip for coloring larger areas. These markers provide rich color saturation and smooth ink coverage.
Ask Your Child:
· To describe their Chinese opera mask’s unique patterns and symbols and interpret their face’s character using the color meanings listed above.
· To explain how this is an example of functional art.
· To explain the relationship between visual art and other art forms such as theater and opera (older children).