Illustrated Narrative Workshop - Saatchi Gallery · Ancient Egyptian mythology that is portrayed...
Transcript of Illustrated Narrative Workshop - Saatchi Gallery · Ancient Egyptian mythology that is portrayed...
Illustrated Narrative Workshop A Pharaoh’s Journey…
Age: 12-18
STARTING POINTS:
OVERVIEW:
In this workshop, students will create an illustrated piece responding to the historical narratives and
Ancient Egyptian mythology that is portrayed throughout the exhibition. They can take inspiration
from Tutankhamun’s own life, the discovery of the tomb by Howard Carter, the journey to the
afterlife, or the legendary curse of the pharaohs. Students in groups will discuss and establish a
short storyline in which to illustrate using mixed media and techniques. They will have a opportunity
to mount their work onto scrolls and present their story to the rest of the group.
MATERIALS:
• Pens & pencils
• Fine liners
• Coloured papers
• Magazines
• Egyptian print outs
• Prittstick
• Scissors
• Paper scrolls
• Black Card
Illustrated Narrative Workshop A Pharaoh’s Journey…
Age: 12-18
PROCESS:
• Welcome students to the workshop
• Recap the exhibition and Tutankhamun’s journey to the afterlife, picking up on potential
themes and narratives to use in the workshop
• Introduce the process, techniques and materials - showing example images of artefacts for
inspiration for visual interpretation
• Students to discuss and establish storyline, draft scenes, and start creating their visuals
• Students will have approximately 40-45 minutes to work on their illustrative narratives
• Each group will mount their work onto paper scrolls or black card for presentation
• Students will come together to share their artwork, explain their story and reflect on the
exhibition
EXAMPLES:
A Pharaoh’s Journey to the Afterlife
The Book of the Dead
The Book of the Dead was a collection of spells enabling the soul of the
deceased to navigate the afterlife. A commonly depicted narrative was the
weighing of the heart ceremony, or spell 125. It is shown below:
• The deceased would need to know how to act in front of the deities at the
gates of the underworld, Toth, Osiris, Anubis, Horus, Ammutt and Ma’at
• Firstly, the deceased would be guided by Anubis to the Hall of Truth, where
they would make the Negative Confession – a list of 42 sins they had to
declare they never committed.
• Next, the heart of the deceased was weighed on a scale in balance to the
white feather of Ma’at.
• If the heart was lighter than the feather, the person was deemed to have lived
an ethical life and will gain access to the afterlife and live in paradise for
eternity.
• If the heart was heavier, it was devoured by Ammutt and the soul would
cease to exist.
• Thoth would record the outcome of the trial.
• Osiris, the King of the Underworld, would grant them through to the Field of
Reeds (their paradise) if the deceased passed the test.
Use this story to create an illustrated narrative storyboard, or create
your own version, thinking about what spells and rituals you would
need to pass through the afterlife!
Think about how the ancient Egyptians depicted their figures and
their distinct style to incorporate this in your work, creating a visual
story including hieroglyphs and symbols.
Amemet: rear of a hippo, head of a crocodile and fore of a lion –
devoured the hearts of those judged to be guilty in the Last Trial
Anubis: Protector of the gates of the underworld and guide for the deceased
Ma’at: Goddess of truth, balance, law, order, morality and justice –
wore a headdress with a feather
Osiris: Lord of the underworld and judge of the dead
Thoth: God of wisdom, writing, hieroglyphs, science and art
– head of an ibis (bird)
Horus: God of kingship and the sky
Isis: Goddess of maternity, love and birth
wore a headdress with a throne
Nephthys: Goddess of the dead
Visual Inspiration: