ESL Lesson PlansModern and Contemporary Art Styles

Modern and Contemporary Art Styles

This ESL lesson plan on art styles encourages B1-level students to explore modern and contemporary art through engaging listening and speaking activities in a group setting. In this 60-minute lesson, students will learn about different art movements, watch a video comparing modern and contemporary art, and engage in discussions about their preferences. By the end, students will share their favorite art style, practicing descriptive language and critical thinking skills.

Skills

Can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast audio material on topics of personal interest delivered in clear standard speech.

60 min B1 (Intermediate)Teens Adults Group Video Listening Reading Art

Online Interactive

Based on CEFR

Fully Customizable

What do you know about different styles of art? In small groups, read the text and match the descriptions with the art styles.

Installation Art

Cubism

Video Art

Symbolism

Performance Art

Virtual Art

Expressionism

Land Art

Impressionism

There are many different art styles, each with its unique characteristics.

is one of the most well-known styles and focuses on how light and color change at different times of the day. Artists who painted in this style often worked outdoors.

Another art style is

, which uses symbols to represent ideas and emotions. Paintings in this style can be mysterious, and they often leave the meaning up to the viewer.

is an art style that breaks objects down into geometric shapes. You might see a face painted with squares and triangles.

seeks to show inner feelings rather than realistic images. The colors used are often bold and the lines are rough.

In modern times, we have more dynamic styles like

, where the artist's actions become the art itself.

involves using video and sometimes even sounds to create a moving image.

is made directly in the landscape using natural elements such as rocks and soil. It's art that you often find outside, in nature.

is a three-dimensional art form that transforms a space and invites viewers to experience it in a new way.

Lastly,

uses digital technology to create artworks that can be experienced through virtual reality. This modern form of art is interactive and can change based on the viewer’s actions.

Points