Global Astronaut

Colouring in is for Primary school, welcome to secondary school where we develop these templates into unique artworks.

Year 7 & 8 students enjoy transforming the design of the astronaut, building in patterns from as many different cultures as they are interested in whilst still keeping visual harmony.

Students have said they've enjoyed completing this as Prep/homework also as it is satisfying to complete as a colouring in page, but also with the challenge of using drawing techniques.

Tate has an excellent introduction to Yinka Shonibare, for which this is a great response to.
You could also prepare some slides of patterns around the world. I like to gather students for a demonstration - especially going over the Scottish Tartan Pattern as I can show it wrapping around the form of the astronaut's leg or arm.
Then I will visit tables and introduce some to the Japanese Seigaiha pattern. drawing circles and curves in the same way as scales/bricks on a wall.

These look fantastic when coloured in, and even better presented when students cut them out and present on black paper. Extending students can be given white pencils or pens to draw stars in the background.