On Display / Activity 2 : Symbols in a Work of Art

Works of art often carry messages. They portray a reality. We need to take time to analyse the elements in order to understand the meaning of the work.

In her painting Ode to Life, Danielle Mathias chose yellow to represent or symbolize certain elements. Indicate with a yes or no whether the elements listed below are symbolized by the colour yellow in her painting.

Answer the following questions based on information from the report you read.

Wind

Yes

Sun

Yes

A lemon

Yes

Heat

Yes

Childhood

Yes

Life

Yes

What shapes represent the centre and Mother Earth?

Choose the correct answer.

Triangles

The mountain

Round shapes

The number four is said to be important in the Aboriginal culture.

Choose the best reason why.

Because there are always four corners in a square and human beings have four limbs (two legs and two arms).

Because it refers to the four natural elements (earth, fire, air and water) and to the four seasons.

Because Aboriginal people had large families with more than four children.

Cultural symbols to drag into the chart

The artist thought about her painting and chose elements to represent her culture.

Drag the correct answer(s) in the correct field

Source of existence The four cardinal points that delimit the territory Animal closest to the sun and the world of spirits Symbol of Mother Earth and North America Discreet sign of fertility Suggestion of the sun and the medicine wheel

Turtle shell

Eagle wing

Fish

Tree

Arrows

Round shape

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