Project Summary
Create a Cubist self-portrait that fuses three facial perspectives and four personal objects. Work at 18×24. Choose Analytical or Synthetic Cubism. Use marker, colored pencil, crayon, or acrylic.
Requirements
1. Face References: 3 Distinct Angles
Examples:
- Front view
- Profile view
- ¾ view
- Top or bottom view
- Other interesting angles
Facial Expression Examples: Silly, Smiling, Frowning, Angry, or something expressive.
2. Personal Objects: 4 Symbols of You
Examples:
- Book
- Game controller
- Pizza
- Pikachu
Any objects representing you!
3. Cubist Mode: Pick One
Analytical: High fragmentation, interlocking geometric planes, limited or structured palette.
Synthetic: Collage logic, assembled shapes, bolder color, added text/pattern; composition clarity is critical.
4. Format & Media
- Size: 18×24 surface
- Media: Marker, colored pencil, crayons, or acrylic
5. Composition Rules
Analytical: Strongly fragmented, interconnected geometric shapes; multiple viewpoints fused.
Synthetic: Slightly fragmented collage pieces; composition and intentional placement drive meaning. If Synthetic, explicitly explain your composition decisions in the reflection.
6. Reflection
- Why Analytical or Synthetic?
- Why these face angles? What do they reveal about you?
- Why these four objects? What ideas do they communicate?
- How did you organize the composition? Focal point, balance, rhythm, positive/negative space.
- What changed through iteration? One challenge and your solution.
Cubist Shattered Mirror Reflection – Fill out form
Process (Suggested)
Submission Checklist
- 18×24 finished artwork
- 3 face angles and 4 objects visibly integrated
- Chosen Cubist mode evident
- Reflection attached
- Name and class on back
Rubric (0–4 Scale)
| Criteria | 4 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preparation & Sources (3 face angles + 4 objects; thumbnails) |
Thorough: 3 angles + 4 objects; 3 strong thumbnails with revision notes | Complete: 3 angles + 4 objects; 2 thumbnails | Basic: 2 angles and 2–3 objects; 1 rough thumbnail | Minimal evidence; <2 angles or <2 objects; no thumbnails | Missing all |
| Cubist Method Applied (Analytical or Synthetic used correctly) |
Sophisticated, consistent method; multiple viewpoints read clearly | Clear Analytical fragmentation or Synthetic assembly | Some Cubist traits but inconsistent | Misapplied; reads as standard portrait | Not evident |
| Composition & Design (balance, focal point, space, rhythm) |
Exceptional control; composition reinforces meaning and readability | Strong organization; effective balance and flow | Adequate layout; basic focal point | Weak hierarchy; crowding or dead space | Disorganized |
| Integration of Personal Symbols (meaningful use of 4 objects) |
Objects deeply integrated; symbolism clear and inventive | Objects support identity and theme | Objects present with limited connection | Objects added decoratively | Absent |
| Craftsmanship & Media Use (line, edges, color handling) |
Precise, refined finish; media enhances form and depth | Clean, intentional, well-finished | Clean in parts; uneven finish | Many unresolved areas; messy | Careless |
| Reflection Quality (choice rationale + composition explanation) |
Insightful analysis; specific evidence; for Synthetic, composition choices explained clearly | Clear reasoning; addresses all prompts | Answers prompts briefly | Vague; misses prompts | Not submitted |
Grade Mapping
Final grade = mean of criteria scores
Accommodations and Options
- Sketch supports allowed: Grids, acetate tracing for proportion, printed collage for Synthetic.
- Time-bound modification: Reduce object count to 3 with teacher approval while maintaining composition clarity.
- Color sensitivity: Grayscale permitted if value structure is strong and intentional.