Maria Letsiou
- Česká sekce INSEA
- Jun 25
- 3 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
1.35 Engaging in Contemporary Art Critique Through Making and Play in the Studio (Paper)
Maria Letsiou – Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
Abstract:
This presentation explores the effectiveness of an art studio-based learning approach in an undergraduate art class within a pedagogy department, focusing on cultivating art critique skills through play and creative making. Attendees will see how playful hands-on engagement can deepen students’ analytical and interpretative skills in understanding contemporary art. Building on my previous research, I have designed and implemented a playful, craft-based approach to my teaching practice. This method integrates the making, crafting and playful process as a tool for analysing and critiquing contemporary artworks. This presentation will share the results of this teaching approach. Additionally, I will present findings from the students’ end-of-semester critique of contemporary artworks. I will illustrate the method’s impact, limitations, and potential for future applications. This study contributes to the field of teacher education by enhancing educators’ ability to understand contemporary art as a multidimensional, creative process. It supports the development of rhizomatic thinking, a cognitive approach that encourages linking disparate ideas and aligns with higher-order thinking skills vital for comprehensive learning. The art studio model I have implemented uniquely fosters these skills, providing a dynamic environment for in-depth engagement, diverse perspectives, and meaningful connections in art analysis and critique.
Maria Letsiou – Engaging in Contemporary Art Critique Through Making and Play in the Studio (Paper)
10.30 A Gift That Does Not Fit in Its Wrapping (Workshop)

Maria Letsiou – Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
Abstract:
The workshop A Gift That Does Not Fit in Its Wrapping invites participants to explore the relationship between the visible and the invisible through artistic expression. The goal is to understand and express the multiple dimensions of the concepts of “gift” and “wrapping,” both in their literal and metaphorical meanings. Participants will work with a variety of unexpected and creative materials, such as balloons, sponges, and twine, to create small constructions that reflect their personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions. We examine the concept of the gift not only as an object of offering but also as a process of exchanging feelings and experiences. Conversely, we can perceive the wrapping as an external layer that frequently conceals or restricts the genuine meaning and essence while simultaneously offering protection and acknowledgment. Essentially, the workshop highlights the artistic process as a means of self-awareness and continuous search for meaning in everyday situations. The outcome is not only the final artwork but also the process of creation itself, which offers an opportunity for personal growth and understanding.
Maria Letsiou – A Gift That Does Not Fit in Its Wrapping (Workshop)
13.10 An Earthly Good – Ceramics (Artwork)

Maria Letsiou – Department of Early Childhood Education, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece
Abstract:
I create casts from plastic waste, which I then use in order to create ceramic sculptures. By juxtaposing the vibrant colours of pop culture with the textures of natural forms, I symbolically explore the contrast between nature’s transformative processes and those I employ in the studio. This investigation serves as a reflection on nature’s evolving dynamics through art.

'Resilient' (Painted and glazed ceramic, 22 x 24 x 16 cm, 2024)

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