Art Costume

One of our favorite teachable moments is at Halloween when we dress up as our favorite work of art.

Boy with a Knapsack

Anya chose Boy with a Knapsack by Kazimir Malevich (1878-1935).

“Malevich made paintings that focus on shapes, colors, and brushwork. He believed that art doesn’t need to show the world exactly as we see it. His Ukrainian roots and his unapologetically bold language resonate with me. His art declares that art isn’t just an option; it’s the very essence of being.”

Girl With Mangoes

 Ploi chose Girl With Mangoes by Fernando Cueto Amorsolo (1892-1972)

Ploi combines her passion for arts education and her appreciation for her heritage. As a proud Filipino, she showed her admiration for Fernando Amorsolo, the first National Artist of the Philippines, by dressing up as a fruit maiden from his 1951 painting. She is a fierce learner who is always eager to explore new ideas and perspectives, world cultures, and enjoys expressing herself through art and fashion. 

The Garden of Earthly Delights

Brent chose The Garden of Earthly Delights by Hieronymus Bosch, circa 1500.

“I knew I wanted to make something non-human, and Hieronymus Bosch’s images are full of fantastic creatures perfect for this. The bird-headed demon from The Garden of Earthly Delights lent itself to a full-body puppet for this costume.”

We Can Do It

Angela chose We Can Do It by J. Howard Miller, A poster created for the WPA (Works Progress Administration) to boost the morale of women working for Westinghouse during WWII. Many years later, it became known for signifying the strength of women in all sorts of situations. It is often misnamed Rosie the Riveter, which was actually a piece for the Saturday Evening Post by Norman Rockwell.

Persistence of Memory

Persistence of Memory by Salvadore Dali felt important for me to embody in 2023 to reflect how surreal, fluid, and fragile “now” still is.  “I crafted a menacing costume in Dali’s vision as the memories that persist so often challenge us.” 

The Son of Man

Jennifer chose The Son of Man by Rene Magritte.

“My costume represents an interest in what is hidden and what the visible does not show us. The green apple in front of the man’s face, urges us to face what we see and what we cannot see, playing with the ideas of the visible and the hidden.”

Girl With a Pearl Earring

Jeanette chose Girl With a Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer. “I enjoyed creating the costume and passing out candy at the school. Super fun!”

Girl in White

Lisa chose Girl in White by Ruth Pratt Bobbs (1884-1973)

Part of the collection at Newfields. Bobbs lived at 1st and Delaware Streets and is buried in Crown Hill Cemetery, Section 29, Lot 43

“When I was a video producer/editor for WFYI, the local PBS station, I was fortunate to produce a video about historical women artists in Indiana. I love that people who were once marginalized are now being celebrated and that valuing all voices is at the heart of what we do at Arts for Learning.”

Skip Footer