Ziggurats and Minimalism- a study in similarities across millenia

A ziggurat constructed of minimalist works intended to reflect the impact of the ancient ziggurat design

Ziggurats and Minimalism- a study in similarities across millenia

sixth grade

Sixth grade students study incredibly interesting civilizations as part of their social studies work. The first of these is the Mesopotamian culture. Mesopotamia was built around some of the first successful specialized labor groupings. Relatively few farmers could feed the masses while others worked on other necessary jobs. This allowed time for some of the first large-scale architectural works. The ziggurats were pyramid-like structures which were both religious temples and symbols of privileged power. They were bold and powerful in line and design.

Some millenia later, American artists like Donald Judd, Frank Stella, Mark Rothko, and Barnett Newman explored demonstrating power through simple, spare design and color work in a movement called Minimalism.

The task set forth for our students was to understand the basic design premises of both periods and compare them for similarities. Then, after developing an assessment rubric, compose an original minimalist work to be displayed in array with classmates in the form of a ziggurat which echoes the power, mystery/religious nature, and formality of the Mesopotamian monuments. The thinking was rich and conversation began to shift perspectives about both art and understanding of design. Students grappled with how to make something so simple still hold power and elegance. With the work completed, students agree that the challenge in this project is deceptive, hidden beneath what looks like ease of technical execution. This formal presentation of their work pairs with an assessment given that requires justification of artist choices in written and oral presentation.

I appreciate the thoughtful and brave pursuit of new thinking that our sixth grade students have brought to this project.