Since 2012, Quest to Learn (Q2L) students have come to MoMA during their school’s Boss Level—a weeklong period where students work in small teams on a particular challenge that culminates in a showcase. This year, students explored MoMA’s collection and exhibitions and made art in response to their research and experience.
Students in first phase of painting. All photos by Francis Estrada unless otherwise noted
Quest to Learn students were faced with the task of redesigning their school’s Commons—a multipurpose space used for socializing, studying, tutoring, and the like. Students and teachers at Quest to Learn were struggling to find a way for this wide range of activities to function concurrently in a space filled with chairs and tables but no dividing walls.
Over the course of a week this past December, participating students came to MoMA to observe the structure of the Museum as an institution, to consider what type of installation might best fit the physical, spatial, and acoustic elements at their school. They roamed the Museum in search of artworks and materials that might inspire their own vision for transforming the Commons, and they collectively brainstormed the types of materials and techniques their process might entail. “There seemed to be a mystery involved in this project,” said one student Quentin, ”because at first no one knew what we were going to make.”
Right: Students building the frames; Left: Students in second phase of painting
The students were immediately in agreement on creating some sort of dividing structure that might allow for more privacy and provide an acoustic sanctuary within the space. They hoped a new installation might help students trying to engage in their studies while others passed through the Commons more casually and audibly.
Right: Students looking and painting; Left: A student drilling
The group decided to create a panel structure with images painted on each section. They divided into building and painting crews, sharing the work among themselves in order to accomplish this large task in very a short amount of time. Students determined independently what images they thought might best invoke the calm/peaceful atmosphere they hoped their school’s communal space might embody. “I was part of the painting crew,” said Oscar. “I had known about Jackson Pollock, but when you see his work in person, it gives you a whole different inspiration. I loved doing splatter paint and putting my own spin by adding footprints.” Mason, a student who was on the building crew, said, “I enjoyed sawing. I learned what angle to saw and tips for holding tools. I was impressed about how everyone made and interpreted their own art and wood frames.”
Finished piece installed in the Q2L Commons. Photo by Devin Fitzgibbons
By working together, experimenting with materials, developing techniques, and sharing their ideas, Quest to Learn students were able to complete this project and present their accomplishments at their school during the last day of the five-day session. Students wrote artist statements and spoke eloquently during the presentation day as they described their goals, intentions, and process. “We see the panels all the time in the Commons,” said Ryan, “It’s great to see our art going to work.”