Research on Techniques and Materials in Polish Primary Education Art

—Through the Practice of the Print Technique “Linocut”—

Abstract

This study aims to look into the techniques and materials used in fine art classes in the elementary education in Poland, identify its characteristics through the actual practice of print art technique called “linocut”, and examine the possibility of introducing it in fine art education in Japan. The history of Poland is characterized by many years of suppression on the freedom of expression. The restrictions were especially harsh under the socialist regime, during which artists with various talents flew into limited fields of expressions, such as production of posters for movies and events, as well as print art as a means of printing. These fields are still advanced in the fields of expressions in today’s Poland and remain influential in the nation’s fine art education. Linocut, a popular letterpress print art technique in the Polish fine art education, utilizes linoleum as the material. Through the actual practice of linocut, the study found out that linocut is easy to engrave, does not require a pressing machine, enables a variety of expressions, and can be incorporated in the fine art education in Japan.