Two contemporary artists, Wade Guyton and Kelley Walker, who frequently team up as an artistic duo, made this work. They each work individually in their studios. Then they combine their works in an art gallery or museum for people to see. Their art is known for complicated patterns, colorful lines and repeating elements. How many colors can you find in this work of art? What parts repeat?
Guyton and Walker are interested in making art that hints at famous works of art by other artists. Can you find the bananas in this image? An artist named Andy Warhol made a famous print of a banana in the 1960s. What other fruits can you find?
In this activity you’ll use fruit to make your own colorful work of art!
Wade Guyton (American, b. 1972) and Kelley Walker (American, b. 1969), “Untitled,” 2008. Inkjet and silkscreen on canvas, offset on drywall, 54 paint cans with digital inkjet print. 138 × 204 × 36 inches. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; The John and Sara Shlesinger Collection. GMOA 2019.406.
For this activity you will need:
- paper
- a knife (ask an adult for help)
- citrus fruit (such as lemon, lime or orange)
- paint
- paper towels
To make your citrus print:
- Ask an adult to cut your citrus fruit in half. Tip: we found that limes work the best for stamping, but you can try out oranges, lemons or even grapefruit.
- Gently press your piece of fruit onto a paper towel to dry it off a little. Do this about three times to ensure the surface is dry and ready to stamp.
- Dip the cut side of the piece of fruit into some paint. Lift it out of the paint and scrape off any extra. Then place your piece of fruit on the paper. Press down on the fruit with two fingers.
- Pick up your piece of fruit and keep stamping it onto the paper until you need more paint. How does the stamp change as there is less paint on the fruit? Can you see details more clearly?
- Try changing colors! Will you make a pattern or layer colors for a multidimensional look?
