The Big Idea:

What are the qualities and characteristics of a rule breaker?

Activity overview

Do you ever think about who makes the rules? Avant-garde artists have received both negative and positive public attention for their challenges to traditional forms, processes, and ideas. Their experiences can teach us a great deal about what was happening in the world at the time they were working.

In this activity you will:

1. analyze two artists whose actions broke the rules
2. organize your thoughts on the artists and the responses to their work
3. reflect on how their cultural contexts contributed to their actions

Look closely

Click on each artist button at right to view detailed screens about the artist and his or her works. Be sure to click on all images, view all videos, read all documents, and use the zoom tool to look closely at the works of art.

You will be graded on:

1. quality of research notes
2. ability to work with a partner to answer questions
3. organization and completeness of chart
4. written reflection