New
New
That's not art!
I can discuss different artforms and use mixed media to create an abstract artwork.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 7
That's not art!
I can discuss different artforms and use mixed media to create an abstract artwork.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Not all art is representational or permanent, some forms of art push 'traditional' boundaries.
- Abstract art does not depict a recognisable picture, place, person or object in the real world.
- Performance art happens live and is constantly changing.
- Ephemeral art doesn’t last forever. It is purposefully temporary and will change over time.
Keywords
Abstract - art that does not depict a recognisable picture, place, person or object in the real world
Ephemeral - art that is purposefully temporary, work that will change over time
Performance - an art form based on designed activities on film or confined to a time and place
Common misconception
Art should be something we instantly recognise and physically last a long time.
Art may not be a recognisable image and may exist only in a specific timeframe.
Create your own abstract artwork to model to the pupils.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Colour paper, chalk, watercolour and oil pastels.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Mark-making is only used to depict realistic drawings.
Mark-making is only used to depict realistic drawings.
True
Q2.Complete the sentence. When artists try to persuade and influence others about an issue or cause, it is called ...
Complete the sentence. When artists try to persuade and influence others about an issue or cause, it is called ...
realism.
classicism.
modernism.
Q3.The wide variety of marks of differing size, shape and density an artist can invent is called ...
The wide variety of marks of differing size, shape and density an artist can invent is called ...
Q4.Abstract art does not depict a recognisable picture, place, person or object in the world.
Abstract art does not depict a recognisable picture, place, person or object in the world.
Q5.Which statement is the most accurate?
Which statement is the most accurate?
Art should always be something we recognise and show a high level of skill.
Art should be something that lasts a long time, made of expensive materials.
Q6.How can art influence society over time?
How can art influence society over time?
by only providing entertainment
by restricting freedom of expression
by ignoring societal issues
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Abstract art does not depict a picture, place, person or object in the real world.
Abstract art does not depict a picture, place, person or object in the real world.
Q2.Match the term with the correct definition.
Match the term with the correct definition.
Q3.Which two art forms do not aim to be permanent?
Which two art forms do not aim to be permanent?
abstract and performance
ephemeral and figurative
figurative and representational
Q4.Which statement best expresses the artistic benefits of performance and ephemeral artforms for artists?
Which statement best expresses the artistic benefits of performance and ephemeral artforms for artists?
These artforms allow artists to work outside of the gallery in nice weather.
These artforms allow artists to make fun work without a serious message.
These artforms allow artists to create work for a gallery or museum display.
Q5.Is the statement try or false? Art should be something we instantly recognise and physically last a long time.
Is the statement try or false? Art should be something we instantly recognise and physically last a long time.
True
