Journey Behind Geometry

Belle Boom

SEPTEMBER 25, 2023

A creative interpretation of the “Geometry Art Gallery” displayed in the High School open lobby.

Drawing by Vee Dee.

On September 20, 2023, visitors were greeted by the black cartolina stationed on brown easels of the high school’s Geometry Art Gallery. 

Most grade 7-10 students, including myself, had been working on our art pieces for weeks. Teacher Dean Tawatao gave us the assignment to create artwork that incorporated points, lines, and angles. This was because, in the first quarter, it was what the grades 7-10 were studying in geometry. 

Today was the day we’d be able to share our creations with the public and explore the artworks of our peers as well. Before walking through the art gallery, I reflected on the journey that led us to this moment. 

During the first preparatory week for our Geometry Art Gallery, we were tasked to brainstorm ideas and think of project themes. We were given time to think of ways to incorporate points, lines, planes, and angles, and then sketch out a potential design based on that. 

Many people were stuck pondering what to create, but luckily, Teacher Dean gave us a few examples. Some of these included geometric string art– precise designs created by threading yarn between nails on a plank of wood, geometric zentangles— patterns of geometric doodles that create beautiful designs, symmetry collages–  symmetrical works created by arranged paper cut-outs, and fractal paintings–  physical or digital self-replicating patterns on a canvas. 

In the second week of preparation, we began creating our individual artworks using our medium of choice. There were three key steps we needed to accomplish that week: first, selecting a medium: Digital? Physical? Collage? 

Second, creating our artwork; beginning the process of bringing our ideas to life. Last, recognizing the artistic concepts. We had to find a way to successfully present our understanding of geometric concepts and shapes. We were highly encouraged to ask our peers or Teacher Dean if we ever struggled with this step. 

By the third week, it was time to discuss the layout plan for the gallery. We needed to decide on a location, a “look” (or final aesthetic and theme of the gallery presentation), find a way to organize everyone’s creations, and practice presenting our individual artworks. For those who had not finished creating their artworks, they were given time to complete them. In the beginning, we were struggling to plan the setup of the gallery. It was clear that it would be located in the elementary lobby, but it was tough to decide on a means of organization for the artwork. 

It was then Teacher Dean who suggested we recycle old canvases to display the artwork. He also suggested that we use the easels to hold the canvases. We agreed it was a great idea. To make the canvases more visually appealing, we decided to tape black paper over them to cover the artwork previously painted onto the canvases and then lay our new designs over them. We agreed and black cartolina was added to the “to buy” list. Others who participated less in the layout discussion focused on their artwork, finalizing the details, and finishing creating their designs. 

By the fourth week, it was time to set up! We hurriedly stuck the cartolina to the canvases, attempting to make it look as perfect and seamless as possible. We huddled in groups, each one focusing on their own canvas. We agreed to group the artworks based on how we classified them visually. All landscapes were grouped together, while all portraits shared a canvas. 

People’s bodies moved swiftly across the high school's open lobby, trying their best to finish everything in time. After what seemed like forever, it was clear that all the hard work of the previous weeks had paid off. We placed canvases on top of each other, people holding one easel per shoulder as we transported everything from the second-floor high school area to the elementary’s open lobby. Easels were organized in a spacious manner, following the wall of the lobby. 

The exhibit began at the front entrance and trailed to just a couple feet in front of the elementary door. We also managed to spot a few artworks chosen for display that were made years prior by previous students. After a few minutes of sweating and stepping back to analyze the look of the gallery, we were happy with all our efforts, and it was time to go back to the classroom. 

The journey didn’t finish there. Once the gallery was all set up, we were tasked with creating a sign for the gallery which represented both the art and geometrical aspects of the exhibit. Tatiana Santiago created the sign by printing out individual letters on sheets of bond paper. 

Afterwards, I decorated the letters by cutting snowflakes out of origami paper and adding simple drawings with markers. Once the sign was finished and all the letters were stringed, it was time to hang it up! And just like that, the Geometry Art Gallery display was complete! 

Fast forward six weeks later, everything needed for the Geometry Art Gallery was ready, and it was time for us to experience the exhibit. 

I stepped back, admiring the gallery for the first time. The artworks were stunning, featuring geometric landscapes, architecture, portraits, and more. Students used various mediums, including digital software, oil pastels, and origami. The creativity and effort were evident in every piece.

Six weeks from the day we began work on our Geometry Art Gallery, we were required to pack up the exhibit. I felt a pang of sadness as we took down the sign, easels, and canvases. Part of me felt like we put so much effort, so why couldn’t the gallery stay up a bit longer? But I knew that this was wrong. 

The exhibit being temporary is what made it so enjoyable, since I could appreciate it more. The Geometry Art Gallery will be an experience I will be unable to replicate. I’m glad I was able to be a part of it. It let me realize the parallels between art and geometry, allowing me to combine logic and structure with freedom and creativity.