Exploring the Artistic Intelligence of Taiwanese Children

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the visual images that Taiwanese children created to represent their mental images and ideas. They responded to three different prompts and used different materials in their constructions and drawings. The study was an empirical investigation using qualitative research methodology to analyze the artistic products that were made by Taiwanese children. Participants, 150 kindergarten through fifth grade students in three different elementary schools located in the northern region of Taipei, completed three artistic tasks during their regularly scheduled art classes. The children generated products in their classrooms. They demonstrated their artistic abilities by constructing colored, geometric-shaped pieces (Improvisation/Task One), drawing as a response to one of two wordless picture books (Speculative Drawing/Task Two), and creating and drawing the most interesting way to go to school (Creative Drawing/Task Three). As part of the study, they also completed a questionnaire about their feelings toward the artistic tasks. The children's products were analyzed and interpreted to identify the works' distinguishing characteristicsIn the Improvisation Task, the connectors were a key factor in making complex and free standing three-dimensional products. Using connectors adeptly allowed the children to display their skills of depth perception. Also, children who could manipulate shapes and color masterfully created symmetric products more frequently. In the two drawing tasks, the children used a variety of representational symbols to illustrate their individual perspectives. Those who chose to complete cartoon-style drawings demonstrated their artistic abilities most strongly. The participants were shown pictorial narratives and created drawings based upon their memories or imaginations. The children used their art as a tool that allowed them to transfer their ideas and/or realities through art mediums of their choosing. The children reflected upon the artistic tasks in their answers to a questionnaire and indicated the enjoyment they felt in completing their products. Suggestions for practical applications and ways to change the research design in further research are discussed.