Natalia V. Kiseleva. Education through painting: what, how, why

Education through painting: what, how, why

Abstract. The article examines the role of Russian fine art in the spiritual and moral education of schoolchildren in the context of modern challenges and tasks defined by the State policy in the field of preserving traditional values. The author analyzes the potential of painting as a tool for forming the spiritual and moral foundation of a personality capable of resisting the negative trends of modernity. The integration of works of Russian art into various school disciplines (for example, into history, social studies, basics of spiritual and moral culture of peoples of Russia) is proposed, shifting the focus from formal analysis to personal perception and reflection. Using the example of the exact paintings by Russian artists (P. A. Fedotov and contemporary artists O. D. Savostyanova, F. Ivanov) for different age groups (primary general, basic general and secondary general education), methodological approaches of using painting to discuss moral concepts, historical memory and cultural identity are demonstrated. Special attention is paid to the role of the teacher as a mediator, comprehending and transmitting the valuable content of works of art. It is emphasized that the personal involvement and sincerity of the teacher’s perception is a key factor of effectiveness of the educational impact of art. The importance of turning to national culture as a source of national and cultural identity and spiritual ideals is substantiated.