National Art Education Association Postmodern Principles: In Search of a 21st Century Art Education Notes

National Art Education Association Postmodern Principles: In Search of a 21st Century Art Education

1. Introduction

  • Article authored by Olivia Gude, published in Art Education, Vol. 57, No. 1 (January 2004), pp. 6-14.

  • Discusses the evolution of art education and critiques traditional methods.

  • Focuses on the postmodern principles relevant for the 21st-century art curriculum.

2. Historical Context

  • Arthur Wesley Dow's influence on art education in the 20th century.

    • Emphasized applying formal principles to both fine arts and everyday design.

    • Influenced notable American modernists: Georgia O'Keeffe, Alfred Stieglitz.

  • Recent survey by the National Art Education Association (NAEA) highlights the emphasis on teaching elements and principles of design as primary goals for art education in the 21st century.

  • Observation: Limited connections between formal descriptors and actual engagement with art in K-12 programs.

3. Elements and Principles of Art

  • Current textbooks enshrine a set of universal and foundational elements and principles:

    • Shift in terminology from "elements of design" to "elements of art."

    • The elements and principles are presented as the core of artmaking.

    • The