Throughout history, artists have recorded the events of their time to construct shared memory, provide space for reflection of these events, and through interpretation of their works, have enabled communities to build shared meaning. 

Art can describe moments from the past we have only heard about, raise awareness on the issues of the present and help us to envision a future that we are still yet to imagine. 

These views into reality and imagination can help us to ask the questions that may help shape our thinking and guide our positive actions for a better shared future.  

• Find three artworks in the collection that you think tell a story from another time or place. 
• List titles, name of student artists, year level and materials used to create the works. 

• What part of the story do you think is being shown?  
• What characters, locations and events are being shown? 
• Is there an outcome or ending that the artist wants us to think about? What is an alternate ending you think might be more interesting/ positive? 
• What other narratives or stories do you think might be good to make into an artwork?   

Working with a group, create your own story using images that can become an artwork or performance for your class. 

Think about characters, locations and events that you think are important to include. 

Well-known artists that can be used as examples or for inspiration include:

• Arthur Boyd
• Jeffery Smart
• Tommy Fung
• Lisa Reihana.