Looking and Discussing
Grade: 9–12
Subjects: Visual Art, Language Arts, Social Studies
Discuss the formal qualities of this painting. Look carefully
at the colors, balance, patterns, and use of space.
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Compare this work of art with others in this section. How is it
different? How is it similar?
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To which other work in this section does the work most closely
relate in style? Describe how. Which works are more abstract? Which
are more realistic?
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What sorts of symbols do you see in Hartley’s American
Indian Symbols? From what cultures did he borrow them? What
were the other influences on his work at this time?
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From which work do you get the most profound emotional response?
Why? [Encourage students to respond personally. There is no right
or wrong answer, but students should support their answers.]
Reading and Research/Writing
Grade: 9–12
Subject: Visual Art, Language Arts, Social Studies
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Research the relationship of Marsden Hartley, Georgia O’Keeffe,
and Alfred Stieglitz. When did they meet each other? Write about
their relationship and the ideas they shared about art. Describe
any influence Stieglitz had on Hartley’s and/or O’Keeffe’s
work.
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There are Native American and German military symbols in Hartley’s
“Amerika” series. Look in books or check the Internet
to find images of other paintings in this series. Research what
was happening in the United States and Germany at this time. In
general, were Native Americans respected and well treated? Do you
think that Hartley had a good understanding of their cultures? What
was Hartley’s main contact with Native American cultures?
What major events were happening in Germany at this time? With which
culture did he have more contact? How might this be significant?
Write a short paper addressing the issues arising from your research.
Link to TEKS Connections
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