a dark shape or outline of someone or something, shown against a lighter background.

the dark shape made when an object blocks the light.

a soft material from the ground that can be shaped and then left to harden.

using images, shapes, or figures to share an idea, memory, or message

Shadow stories: silhouette, clay and light

Art and design

Unweaving, wrapping, transforming: textile sculpture

Cut, colour, speak: Pop Art placards for protest

Set the scene: collage, figure and symbol

Made in collaboration with October Gallery. the unit explores how artists use visual storytelling to express ideas about people and change. Pupils create symbolic work, experiment with shadow and silhouettes, and design placards that use colour, shape, words, and symbols to share messages.

Art for change: visual voices

A shadow is made when something {{}} the light.

Using images or shapes to share ideas or memories

Tell powerful stories about history and fairness

Because it’s quicker and easier to make

To focus on shape and story, not decoration

Why does Kara Walker use black paper silhouettes instead of detailed drawings?

A figure is a {{}} or human shape shown in an artwork.

Which of these could make a scene feel busy or active?

When artists arrange figures and objects carefully in a picture, what are they trying to show?

Starter Quiz

What does mise en scène mean?