Q&A: Umana Nnochiri discusses Nigerian akwanshi-inspired batik patterns
Umana Nnochiri is a textile artist and art educator at the Cross Rivers University of Technology in southeastern Nigeria. She adapts motifs from akwanshi (stone sculpture) of the Ejagham people of the Cross River region into fabric art using batik, a method of dyeing and wax-resist application practiced by cultures across the world. Her creations… Read More
Suggested Reading List: Reflection and Self-Care
NOMA’s Learning and Engagement staff suggests the following books related to themes of process and materials in art. In partnership with Octavia Books, links are provided to purchase these titles through this independent bookstore based in New Orleans, which offers nationwide shipping or curbside pickup. The store has also been approved for Phase 1 of… Read More
Art-Making Activity: Breathing Wands
Create your own breathing wand—a fun tool to help you take three deep breaths developed by community partner Project Peaceful Warriors. Materials Pipe cleaner Feather Beads Make Take your pipe cleaner and twist one end around the bottom of the feather. Add three beads to the pipe cleaner. Make a loop at the bottom of… Read More
Art-Making Activity: Mixed Mood/Media Self Portraits
Artists utilize color to create expression in works of art. Artist Joan Miró painted this abstract image of a “young girl” using organic shapes and a range of bold colors. Perhaps it was someone he knew and how he saw them in an extension of his imagination? In this activity, you will make a mixed-media… Read More
Object Lesson: On Lake Pontchartrain, Louisiana by Guy Mendes
Many of us can name a work of art, music, or literature that provokes an emotional or even a physical reaction. This photograph by Guy Mendes has that quality, and can inspire an incredible sense of lightness and peace. The photograph is beautiful in its simplicity. The soft bend in the wrinkled sail allows us… Read More
Art-Making Activity: Salt Dough Sculpture
All around the world, people make art and utilitarian objects out of clay. For this activity, we are going to make a salt dough that will behave a bit like clay. Salt dough is cheap and easy to make. When baked in the oven on very low heat, the dough becomes hard and can be… Read More