Alberto Giacometti
Standing Woman
The Walking Man
Alberto Giacometti
Alberto Giacometti was born on October 10, 1901. He was born in Switzerland.
When he was 21, he moved to Paris. It was there he came to be known as one of the world’s leading sculptors.
He initially focused his pieces on the human head, and eventually moved to full body with limbs elongated and stretched out.
He brought this style to animal figures as well. He was influenced by cubism and surrealism.
Some of his most famous works include Standing Woman, The Nose, The Walking Man, and The Cat.
The Nose
The Cat
Suggested Activities:
Tinfoil Man Activity
Materials:
- Sketch book
- Pencil
- Kitchen foil
- Scissors
Instructions:
Using Giacometti’s The Walking Man as inspiration, begin by drawing several stick men in different positions. Use tinfoil to try and recreate one of your favourite sketches. Make sure to pay attention to creating an overly long and exaggerated thin sculpture. Discuss the implied and actual texture of the finished piece.
Extensions:
Create an animal using same technique. Paint sculptures.
The Walking Man
Plasticine Cat
Materials:
- Plasticine
Instructions:
Using Giacometti’s The Cat as inspiration, create your own cat made out of plasticine.
Extension:
Challenge yourself to make a second sculpture that will stand on its own.
The Cat
Let’s Make a Head!
Materials:
- Model Magic (white)
- Partner work with sketch pad and pencil
- Grey paint for extension activity
Instructions:
Using Giacometti’s The Monumental Head as inspiration, create your own head sculpture using Model Magic. Partner up and have your partner sketch an outline of your head. Using their sketch as a reference, create your own 3D model/sculpture of your head and neck. Create a base as well to allow your sculpture to stand on its own. Bring attention to the eyes, nose and mouth. Make texture within the model magic to create a stone effect.
Extension:
Paint over entire sculpture with grey paint to add to stone effect from texture created.
Monumental Head