Advocacy Fabric Compositions

Elizabeth designed a social practice art project that was inspired by the Chilean women who came together during the Augusto Pinochet regime to create fabric and thread compositions, Arpilleras, depicting the brutality their communities faced at the hands of the government. Students did an art investigation on an Arpillera artwork and learned about the artists and historical context as an introduction to the unit.

For this project students created 4in x 4in collage compositions made of fabric on a social or political issue that matters to them. Students chose from a variety of important issues including ICE raids, the war between Israel and Palestine, climate change, social media use, Artificial Intelligence concerns, and the gender pay gap. Students spoke in teams discussing the issues they chose, how it affects people, and ways to combat the issues. Students wrote about their message, why the topic matters to them, and reflected on the artwork. After the projects were completed, a gallery walk and class discussion was had revolving around how the experience felt for them and how people can use art for social change and community healing.

STUDENT WORK SAMPLES BELOW