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      Iconic images from art movements

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can create a subverted interpretation of an iconic image.

      Key learning points

      1. When an image is iconic it represents a particular idea or thing and can be easily and quickly recognised.
      2. Iconic images in art often come from art movements in Western art history, often due to the innovative techniques used.
      3. Iconic images from Western art can mean that our diverse world is often not reflected.
      4. Contemporary artists are addressing this imbalance by increasing the visibility of marginalised groups.

      Keywords

      • Iconic - something that is widely recognised and represents a particular idea or thing, often because it is very famous or significant

      • Subvert - to challenge or undermine recognised systems, norms or authorities

      Common misconception

      Iconic images come from across all areas of art history.

      Iconic images mainly come from Western art history which can mean that the diversity of our world is often not reflected.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils could pose in the style of *The Last Supper* for a photograph.

      Equipment

      Fineliners, variety of paper for collage, coloured pencils, lollipop sticks and plasticine.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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.
      Artists can be a powerful voice for marginalised groups.

      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q2.
      Which are forms of political event that artists can respond to?

      Correct answer: war
      equality
      Correct answer: elections
      identify

      Q3.
      Which art movement responded to the First World War?

      Post-Impressionism
      Correct answer: Dada
      Abstract Expressionism
      Pop art

      Q4.
      Which artists responded to the chaos of the Second World War?

      Aubrey Williams
      Correct answer: Michael Corinne West
      Althea McNish

      Q5.
      The artists in the Caribbean Art Movement were concerned with the of Caribbean artists.

      Correct Answer: marginalisation, marginalization

      Q6.
      What artworks is Althea McNish best known for?

      paintings
      collage
      Correct answer: textiles
      installation

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      What is the name given to something that is widely recognised and represents a particular idea or thing?

      Correct answer: iconic
      realistic
      idealistic
      symbolic

      Q2.
      Which event does Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Last Supper' depict?

      the moment Jesus turns water into wine
      Correct answer: the moment Jesus announces that one of his disciples will betray him
      the moment of Jesus' crucifixion
      the moment of Jesus' resurrection

      Q3.
      Iconic images in art often come from art movements in art history.

      Correct Answer: Western, western

      Q4.
      In art, artists can iconic images from Western art by changing and altering them.

      Correct Answer: subvert

      Q5.
      In Tavares Strachan’s 'The First Supper', what figures does the artist use in place of Jesus and his disciples?

      other religious characters
      Correct answer: prominent Black figures from history
      politicians from the 20th century

      Q6.
      What does Susan Dorothea White replace Jesus and the disciples with in her version of da Vinci's 'The Last Supper'?

      Correct Answer: women, Women, females

      To help you plan your 7 art and design lesson on: Iconic images from art movements, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...