Reproducing art: postcards, prints and artist editions
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can experiment with reproducing and curating my own artwork.
Key learning points
- Artists can reproduce their work through prints, postcards, and limited edition prints.
- There are many examples of artist's reproducing their work in different ways and across different times and places.
- A curatorial experiment explores not just which artworks are shown, but how they are arranged, displayed, and framed.
- Curators and artists might use reproductions to experiment with how art is displayed and experienced
Keywords
Reproduction - a copy of an original artwork that allows more people to see it
Edition - a set number of copies of an artwork, like prints or postcards, often numbered to show how many exist
Common misconception
Reproduction is only possible with a photocopier/printer and reproductions are not as valid as originals.
Hand-made reproductions (drawn, traced, collaged, reinterpreted) are also valid artistic processes.
Teacher tip
When moving into the curatorial experiment, guide students to be purposeful; rather than sticking reproductions down randomly, ask them to think like a curator.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What does “reproduction” mean in art?
Q2.Why might an artist choose to make prints or postcards of their work?
Q3.What is an “edition” in art?
Q4.How might reproductions change who gets to experience an artwork?
Q5.Why do you think curators experiment with how artworks are displayed?
Q6.Do you think a reproduction, like a postcard, can still be considered “art”?
To help you plan your 11 art and design lesson on: Reproducing art: postcards, prints and artist editions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 art and design lesson on: Reproducing art: postcards, prints and artist editions, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Curating an exhibition unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.