How has the artist used colour to show the shape of the face?
What do you notice about the brushstrokes in this portrait?
Grace Cossington Smith
Study of a head: self-portrait
1916
Grace Cossington Smith, Study of a head: self-portrait, 1916, oil on canvas on board, 28.6 h cm, 23.4 w cm, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, purchased with funds from the Marie and Vida Breckenridge bequest 2010
Begin by asking “what can you see?” This will help you to gain insight into each participants’ perspective. Use these insights to build a discussion, then you could expand with the follow-up questions listed below.
Discussion provides an opportunity to view and find inspiration from works of art in the National Collection. A process of discovery, using open-ended questions, allows multiple opinions to be shared. This method will elicit responses beyond yes or no, leading to meaningful discussion where people with dementia are able to demonstrate their ability.
For example: the question, "What colour is the sky?" could be experienced as a test with a 'correct' answer. Try instead: "Tell me about the sky." Asking the question in this way allows participants to make choices and give a variety of responses.
Be patient and open. Allow time for participants to look at the work of art, process the questions and to formulate an answer. Don’t be afraid of silence. Discussion should be fun, social, and intellectually stimulating to build confidence and learn something new.
Discussion tip:
Allow participants to answer the questions in their own way. They may not respond in the way you were expecting. So, adjust your expectations. Listen carefully, allow the participants to lead the conversation, and be open to the discoveries you make together.