Discovering the Multi-cultural Art Projects of the Asian Carnival

The recent “Intercontinental Carnival – Asia!” at SUIS Qingpu’s Primary School was a resounding success and stood as a vibrant celebration of Asian culture that left everyone thrilled!

Grade 1 students were given the opportunity to step into the realm of Southeast Asia. From the beginning, students were led by their art teachers into the mysterious Sumatran rainforest in Indonesia, where they encountered the giant and exotic Rafflesia flower! Next, they made their way to the vibrant city of Pattaya in Thailand, where they got to experience first-hand their incredible water market culture! To express their experiences of this region, they drew, made collages and constructed clay models. As well as developing their artistic prowess, these activities taught the students effective time management and teamwork skills.

The Grade 1 Cambridge class students completed their “Dragon’s Eye” project, inspired by the incredible legends and stories of dragons. Initially, they embarked on a fantastic journey filled with imagination and mythology. They then went on to explore the incredible wonders of Asian marine life through a project on “Sea Slugs”.

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Grade 2 artists had fun exploring the underwater fantasy world of the Maldives! They used their knowledge of colour to create beautiful artwork inspired by marine coral. They also used clay techniques to make some wonderful little fish.

On their incredible cultural journey through India, Grade 2 explored the wonderful artistry of henna hand drawings, which are a symbol of happiness. From stunning lotus patterns symbolising auspiciousness to magnificent peacock designs representing happiness, each creation reflected their deep experiences of Indian culture.

The Indian naan bread shop was an absolute must-see! From the paper-thin, golden bread to the welcoming demeanour of the naan bread maker, it was clear that the children had observed and understood this aspect of Indian culture with great attention to detail. Their creativity and imagination in this artistic adventure were truly inspiring!

Grade 2 Cambridge students loved exploring the rich cultural heritage of India and its intricate world of Indian jewellery. They got to choose and make their very own necklaces, bracelets and earrings! The students used clay, coloured glass and gold acrylic paint to create some truly exquisite pieces that reflect the incredible artistry of Indian jewelry. This project was a fantastic opportunity for the students to learn about India’s cultural treasures while also encouraging them to express their creativity and attention to detail.

Their second project, “Maldives Beach”, was inspired by the glowing beaches of the Vadhu Islands in the Maldives. The students did an excellent job at capturing the stunning beauty of this beach scenery.

Now, let’s dive into the ancient world of lacquerware in East Asia! Grade 3 students had a fabulous time exploring its historical relevance, designing and creating unique lacquerware pieces. The incredible colour contrasts of these pieces were like nothing we had ever seen before! They resembled the collision of night and day, creating a powerful and stunning visual effect. The intricate gold and silver lines flowed like rivers across the lacquerware, outlining some truly exquisite patterns. Every detail was a testament to the excellence and precision of ancient East Asian lacquerware craftsmanship.

Meanwhile, in the incredible “Science-Art Interdisciplinary Collaboration Project”, the team behind the “Roller Coaster” project really pushed boundaries. They integrated knowledge and creativity to construct roller coaster models that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional. This is a great example of East Asian culture’s relentless pursuit of craftsmanship and innovation!

Grade 4 students embarked on an exploratory journey along the ancient Silk Road, using exquisite paper-cutting art to bring old memories back to life! Camel caravans made their way slowly through the vast desert, showcasing their majestic and agile figures through the incredible art of paper cutting. Some had heads held high with eyes fixed on the distance, as if seeking the oasis of their dreams. Others were foraging with endearing chewing motions. It was as if they were carrying the memories of history, recreating a bustling trade scene of the past! Each snip of the scissors of this ancient art form was like a new chapter in the legend of the Silk Road. It deepened our respect and understanding of the history of cultural exchanges between the East and West.

The artistic allure of West Asia also shone brightly on campus, delighting students and teachers alike! Grade 5 students embarked on an incredible journey into the vast and fascinating world of West Asian art. They delved into the significance of geometric patterns and designs, uncovering the secrets behind their role in local artistic traditions. The incredible world of West Asian art is defined by a passion for symmetry, balance, and mathematical precision, which is reflected in the stunning intertwining of star shapes, hexagons, and tessellation patterns. In the sacred world of Islamic art, geometric patterns are like never-ending visual poetry! They blend art and science with exquisite techniques that convey a sense of harmony and unity. These art forms symbolize the mysterious connections within the universe, and this ancient tradition is a beacon of inspiration for modern art design, radiating the ageless allure of the blend of numbers and art.

In this amazing and truly unforgettable “Intercontinental Carnival – Asia!”, every child shone like an artistic star, using their incredibly creative minds to meticulously craft a vibrant and awe-inspiring canvas of Asian culture. What an amazing journey it’s been! Our students have gained so much knowledge and have grown so much, they have also planted the seeds of inclusivity, to show respect for diverse cultures around the world. We are so excited to see what the future holds for our SUIS Qingpu students! We know they will continue to grow and learn, and we can’t wait to see what they discover along the way. They are already so curious and ambitious, and we know they will go on to do great things!