Light as a medium to explore three key attributes of perception -- shape, color, and motion
COLOR
MOTION
WHAT WE ARE MAKING
WHYWE ARE MAKING IT
You will create a layered color collage that explores how different colors mix and change when illuminated with various light sources.
To understand how colors interact with light and how layering transparent materials can create new colors and visual effects.
ACTIVITY MATERIALS
Create a layered color collage using transparent colored materials, and explore how these colors mix and change when illuminated with light.
PROMPT
1st
Choose a base shape for your frames
2nd
Cut Out Frames
3rd
Cut Out Colored Filters
4th
Assemble the Collage
5th
Build Your Structure
6th
Color Mixing Exploration
Project the Collage
7th
1.5hr
Deliverables
In the responses tab:
Completed Color Collage: A 3D structure made from layered frames and transparent colored filters.
Photos or Sketches: Capture images or sketches of the projected colors and how they blend and change.
Reflection: Write a short reflection on how the colors interacted when illuminated and how layering influenced the final visual effect.
1st
Design Your Frame:
Choose a base shape for your frame (e.g., square, circle, triangle).
Sketch the frame on a piece of cardboard or thick paper, ensuring it’s sturdy enough to hold the layers of colored materials.
10min
2nd
Cut Out Frames:
Using scissors, cut out the selected shape from your cardboard or paper. You can create multiple frames if you wish to layer them.
10min
3rd
Cut Out Colored Filters :
Cut out different shapes from transparent colored cellophane or acetate sheets. Consider geometric shapes, abstract forms, or any design you like. These filters will be used to overlay onto the frames.
10min
4th
Assemble the Collage:
Start layering your colored filters onto the frames. Secure them with glue or tape. Experiment with the arrangement and layering of colors to see how they combine and interact.
15min
5th
Build Your Structure
Construct a 3D structure using the frames and colored filters. Ensure the filters are positioned to overlap and interact with each other when viewed through the structure.
15min
6th
Project the Collage:
In a darkened room, use a flashlight or small lamp to project light through your 3D structure onto a white wall or sheet of paper. Observe how the colors mix and change when illuminated.
10min
Flashlight
Wall
Shadow
7th
Color Mixing Exploration:
Adjust the distance between the structure and the light source, or move the light around to see how this changes the projection. Experiment with using multiple light sources or colored filters to explore different effects.