Mehndi Art Gloves

Grade: 9-12

Curriculum Area: Visual Art

Unit of Study/Art history/Cultural context: Mehndi/Hindi Culture; Balance (Symmetry)

SPI's/Standards of Art: TN: 1.1.1-1.1.4, 1.3.1-.1.3.4, 1.4.1-1.4.4, 2.1.1-2.1.4, 3.1, 4.3.3

Objectives:

Students will learn about “Mehndi” art, seen traditionally in Hindi cultures and traditions. (4.3.3)

Students will understand balance: symmetry, asymmetry and radial symmetry. They will analyze and apply radial symmetry with their designs. (1.1-2.1)

Students will apply lines, shapes and colors to create henna designs on gloves similar to Mehndi characteristics. (1.1-2.1)

Materials:

Pencil Eraser Latex Gloves, clear or black Markers Metallic Markers

Assessment Strategies:

Questions and responses during presentation to show understanding. Individual monitoring during independent practice (double-check comprehension). Rubric for the final project: scoring based on how well Objectives were met in the project. (Good

effort; cleanliness and craftsmanship; successfully cut out areas to create a relief print; successful print of at least 4 to make an edition; composition of the image.)

At the end of the semester, the final exam will include questions about Mehndi art and Symmetry.

Guided Learning Steps:

PowerPoint Presentation – Introduce the art of Mehndi designs, or henna art. Seen in Indian cultures, specifically Hindi, it is the application of material called henna to the hands and feet in intricate designs that follow symmetry. Students will learn about the meaning behind this art, as well as the elements of art used to create the designs. They will see examples of real-life designs, and past projects.

Demonstration/Guided Practice – Students will receive handouts on creating radial designs and practice drawing five different shapes with this technique. This will also give them ideas on what designs to put on their gloves.

Individual Practice (Project) [1-2 days] – Students will receive a glove, either clear or black, and wear it while they draw their designs. They start with putting 8 dots spread out, and each dot will be the starting point for a radial design. Each dot must have a different design. They will all branch out until they touch, reflecting the connectivity of traditional henna designs. Markers will be used to include color, either as outlines or solid, and must work together depending on color schemes.

Reflection – Students will discuss what they liked or disliked about this project.

Vocab: Mehndi, henna, balance, symmetry, asymmetry, radial symmetry,

Essential Questions:

1. What is Mehndi? What is the process for this technique?

2. What is this type of art similar to in other cultures?a. Tattoos; traditional adornments for ceremonies/festivals.

3. What type of symmetry do you see in Mehndi art?

4. What are the types of balance?a. Symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radial.