Starting tomorrow, Abstract Advent is a daily creative challenge, designed with Ks1 to Ks5-age school groups in mind — but open to all participants.
Between the 1st – 24th December 2024, create a daily response to the shape provided for that day. These will be shared on the Instagram account @artpedagogy each morning. The full set (below) is here for teachers and those who like to plan ahead. The daily order is from top left to bottom right, row by row.
For 2024, Abstract Advent is drawing inspiration from nature and positive environmental activism.
The visual prompt is simply the starting point. Take the daily shape/doodle and do with it what you wish!
Some suggested approaches:
– Develop an abstract response via drawing, painting, mini-sculpture, collage or textiles
– Convert the shape into something else (recognisable, or not) by doodling or illustrating within or around it
– Photograph something visually similar or connected
– Research/discover/connect an artwork, concept or idea – and simply share this, or write about it
– Use the shape as a prompt for creative writing, poetry, performance…
In addition:
– Responses do not have to be ‘abstract’, festive or ‘environmental’ — but they can be, if you wish
– Use any media — drawing, painting, collage, sculpture, photography, animation, words, performance, research…
– Produce work at any scale (but best to be realistic with your ambitions, mindful of time and materials available)
– Each day, once completed — and if you wish/appropriate — tag your work on Instagram with #abstractadvent (you might also want to tag posts #abstractadvent2024 and #artpedagogy)
– Play nicely and enjoy! All comments on the work of others should be positive and supportive. Abstract Advent is all about experimenting, connecting and finding a little time each day for creative play.
Participants are welcome to respond to these shapes however they wish — that’s the beauty of Abstract Advent. But the project’s secondary aim for 2024 is to draw attention to some pressing environmental issues and related campaigns — including Right to Roam, Surfers Against Sewage, The Rivers Trust and the Woodland Trust. Find more information about Abstract Advent — and the work of these invaluable organisations — here.