Shadow Assemblage Slides NYS High School Visual Arts Studio
Monochrome
Shadow Assemblage
Building cardboard relief architecture inspired by the sculptures of Louise Nevelson.
Sculpture Project: Found Cardboard & One-Color Unity
NYS Standards VA:Cr1.1 • VA:Cr2.1
Who Was Louise Nevelson?
Louise Nevelson (1899–1988)
Louise Nevelson was a famous American sculptor who gathered discarded wooden junk from New York City sidewalks and demolition sites.
She created assemblages (sculptures made by combining found objects), stacking scrap wood inside modular crates to create giant, mysterious sculptural walls.
“When you put things together that other people have thrown out, that is really giving them a new life.”
— Louise Nevelson
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Compartment Grid
Modular Shadow Boxes
She stacked wooden crates to create orderly architectural grids.
Vocabulary: Assemblage = 3D artwork built from found scrap objects
Masterwork Visual Breakdown
Looking Closely at Sky Cathedral (1958)
1. Modular Boxes
She stacked dozens of open-faced wooden crates into an 11-foot wall. The grid keeps all the busy pieces organized.
Grid creates visual order
2. Light & Shadow
Some pieces stick out far; others hide deep inside. Gallery spotlights create dark shadow pockets and bright edges.
Shadow acts as form
3. Rhythm & Repeat
Spindles, triangles, and textures repeat throughout the boxes, guiding your eyes across the whole sculpture like music.
Variety within unity
On display at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York NYS Standard: VA:Re7.1
Color Magic
The Monochromatic Secret: Why Only One Color?
Painting everything in one color transforms scrap junk into unified fine art:
Matte Black
Feels like midnight, deep space, and mystery. Black hides cardboard logos so we focus purely on 3D shapes.
Stark White
Feels like early morning light. White highlights crisp folded edges, subtle soft shadows, and clean calmness.
Metallic Gold
Feels royal, precious, and glowing. Gold bounces light across forms and makes cheap cardboard look like treasure.
Takeaway: When there are no color distractions, the viewer focuses entirely on form, texture, and cast shadows .
Art Terms Made Simple
4 Big Ideas For Your Project
1
Relief Depth
Relief sculpture sticks out from a flat backboard. Build 3 levels: Low (flat), Mid (raised), and High (pops out up to 3 inches).
2
Visual Rhythm
Repeat shapes and patterns across your boxes (like peeled fluting or cardboard rings) to make your sculpture feel like music.
3
Geometric vs. Organic
Mix straight box edges and sharp corners (geometric) with rolled tubes, curved spirals, and torn paper edges (organic).
4
Unity (Working Together)
All your pieces should look like they belong together. Every box should feel carefully planned, not randomly thrown together.
NYS Visual Arts Standard • VA:Cr1.1 (Plan and investigate artistic ideas)
Your Assignment
The Cardboard Shadow Box Challenge
Build your own Nevelson-style relief sculpture with these 3 requirements:
Structure
• At least 4 separate boxes
• Size: about 12×16 inches
• Sturdy cardboard backboard
Depth & Pop
• 3 heights : Low, Mid, & High
• 1 piece pops past the frame
• Use at least 5 techniques
One Color
• Covered in 1 single color
• No cardboard logos showing
• Smooth coat with zero drips
Project Timeline: 5 Studio Class Periods NYS Standard: VA:Cr2.1
Cardboard Skills
4 Essential Cardboard Techniques
01. Score & Fold
Slice lightly through only the top paper layer. Bend backwards to make sharp 90° box walls.
Makes box corners
02. Peel Fluting
Peel back the outer liner paper to reveal the inner wavy corrugated ridges for striped texture.
Adds line texture
03. Slotted Joints
Cut matching slots halfway through two cardboard pieces to lock them together like a grid.
Locks dividers tight
04. Roll & Coil
Roll thin cardboard into cylinders and tight spirals, or slice paper tubes into round circular rings.
Adds curved shapes
Stacking Trick: Glue 3–5 matching cardboard shapes on top of each other to raise focal pieces high!
Clean edges matter
Safety First
Studio Safety Rules
Safe Cutting
• Always use a green cutting mat
• Keep your helper hand 4″ back
• Make 2–3 gentle cuts along metal ruler
Gluing Neatly
• Use low-temp hot glue guns
• Press and hold for 10 seconds
• Peel off all glue webs before painting
Spray Booth
• Paint ONLY inside the spray booth
• Wear mask & eye goggles
• Apply 2 light mist coats (10″ away)
Safe habits make great artists • Zero cuts, zero accidents!
What We Are Learning
NYS Visual Arts Standards: Your Goals
1. CREATING (VA:Cr1.1)
Invent Your Design
Sketch ideas and plan how modular cardboard boxes create visual rhythm and depth.
2. BUILDING (VA:Cr2.1)
Master Craft & Safety
Use cardboard techniques safely and paint an even monochromatic coat with no cardboard showing.
3. RESPONDING (VA:Re7.1)
Analyze Shadows & Light
Explain how one solid color makes viewers focus on 3D textures and deep shadow voids.
4. CONNECTING (VA:Cn11.1)
Connect to Art History
Compare your sculpture to Louise Nevelson’s famous assemblages and explain your artistic choices.
Ready to start? Fill out your Blueprint Organizer with your teacher!
Cardboard Assemblage Studio Guide High School Visual Arts • NYS Standards
Cardboard Shadow Box Sculpture
Louise Nevelson Project Guide • How to Build With Recycled Cardboard
Name: ________________
Period: ______ Date: ______
Your Goal:
Turn scrap cardboard boxes into an architectural wall sculpture. Build compartments with different depths, repeat interesting textures, and spray paint the whole piece in one single color (Black, White, or Gold) like Louise Nevelson.
6 Cardboard Building Techniques (Pick at least 5)
Easy Step-by-Step
1
Score & Fold (Crisp 90° Corners)
Cut through only the top layer of paper along a metal ruler. Bend backwards to make sharp boxes and raised bevels.
2
Peel the Fluting (Wavy Texture)
Dampen the surface slightly and peel off the top paper sheet to reveal the corrugated ridges underneath. Great for rhythm!
3
Slotted Joints (No Glue Needed)
Cut a slit halfway down piece A, and halfway up piece B. Slide them together like an “X” to make sturdy divider walls.
4
Stack & Layer (Topography)
Glue matching shapes on top of each other from large to small (like a pyramid) to build dramatic 3D height and shadow.
5
Roll Tubes & Spirals (Curved Forms)
Roll thin cardboard over a table edge to soften it. Roll into tight spirals, cylinders, or cut paper tubes into circular rings.
6
Break the Frame (Pop Out)
Extend at least one cardboard piece past the outer edge of your box. This creates exciting visual tension!
Project Checklist: What Your Sculpture Needs
✓ Size: About 12″ × 16″ on sturdy backing
✓ Compartments: At least 4 separate boxes
✓ 3 Heights: Low (flat), Mid, and High relief
✓ One Color: 100% covered, zero cardboard showing
Nevelson Tip: Arrange your shapes dry first. Step back and check your shadows before gluing anything down! PAGE 1 OF 2
Studio Steps & Safety Guide
Follow these 5 simple steps during work time
5 Studio Days
1
Day 1 • Plan & Sketch: Collect cardboard. Complete your Blueprint Organizer and get teacher sign-off.
2
Day 2 • Build the Box Grid: Cut your 12×16″ backing board. Build outer walls and lock in your divider compartments.
Sculpture Blueprint Organizer Planning Packet • Step 1 of 5
Sculpture Blueprint Organizer
Plan your Louise Nevelson Cardboard Shadow Box
Name: ________________
Period: ______ Date: ______
Step 1: Choose Your One Color (Check One)
Matte Black Deep shadows & mystery
Stark White Sharp edges & calm light
Metallic Gold Shimmering & regal
Why did you pick this color? What mood do you want your sculpture to have?
Step 2: Cardboard Texture Hunt (List 5 different textures you found)
Texture 1
e.g., Peeled fluting
Texture 2
e.g., Rolled cylinder
Texture 3
e.g., Egg carton cup
Texture 4
e.g., Angled wedge
Texture 5
e.g., Stacked circles
Step 3: Three Quick Box Grid Ideas (Sketch 3 different box layouts)
Idea A: Balanced Even boxes
Sketch 4+ boxes here
Circle if this is your favorite
Idea B: Varied Sizes Big & small boxes
Sketch 4+ boxes here
Circle if this is your favorite
Idea C: Diagonal Energy Angled dividers
Sketch 4+ boxes here
Circle if this is your favorite
Turn to Page 2 to draw your final master blueprint PAGE 1 OF 2
Master Architectural Blueprint
Draw your final sculpture layout and label relief depths
L = Low M = Mid H = High ☆ = Break Frame
Main Drawing Area (Represents your 12″ × 16″ backing board) Label each box with L, M, or H
↑ Top Wall ↑ Outer Frame Perimeter ↑ Top Wall ↑
← Left Edge Draw your 4+ boxes and inside shapes here Right Edge →
↓ Bottom Wall ↓
1. Repeated Pattern (Rhythm):
What shape, tube, or texture will you repeat to connect all the boxes together?
2. Break-Out Piece (Frame Breaker):
Which piece will poke out past the outer edge of your box? How will you glue it firmly?
Partner Check & Teacher Approval
Has 4+ separate boxes Labels L, M, and H depths Has 1 frame break (☆)
Classmate Signature: ________________________
Teacher Approval to Cut: ________________________
Get teacher approval before collecting and cutting cardboard PAGE 2 OF 2
Assemblage Assessment Rubric Sculpture Project Rubric • High School Art
How Your Sculpture Will Be Graded
Louise Nevelson Cardboard Assemblage • 100 Total Points
Student: ________________
Period: ______ Date: ______
Category & Standard
4 - Exceeds
3 - Meets
2 - Developing
1 - Beginning
Score
1. Grid & Boxes VA:Cr1.1.HSI
4+ boxes, rhythm, frame breakthrough.
I can create: 5+ creative boxes with amazing rhythm and a bold frame breakout.
I can create: 4 distinct boxes with clear rhythm and a piece breaking the frame.
3–4 boxes; layout feels a bit repetitive; break-out is tiny.
Fewer than 4 boxes; random layout without rhythm.
/ 25
2. 3D Relief & Techniques VA:Cr2.1.HSI
3 heights & 5 cardboard techniques.
I can build: dramatic 3D layers (up to 3.5″) using 6+ creative techniques.
I can build: 3 distinct heights (Low, Mid, High) using at least 5 techniques.
Only 2 heights; uses 3–4 techniques; feels somewhat flat.
Mostly flat collage; fewer than 3 techniques used.
/ 25
3. Craft & Finish VA:Cr2.1.HSI
Tight joins, clean cuts, zero glue strings.
I can craft: rock-solid joins, clean cuts, no glue strings, and a flawless paint coat.
I can craft: sturdy joints, clean cuts, glue strings removed, fully covered in 1 color.
A few wobbly pieces; visible glue webs; small patches of thin paint.
Pieces falling off; messy glue; cardboard print still visible.
/ 25
4. One-Color Unity VA:Cn11.1 / Re7.1
Transforms scrap cardboard; studio safety.
I can transform: scrap cardboard into high art with stunning shadows; perfect studio safety.
I can transform: cardboard into unified sculpture; strong shadow play; followed safety rules.
Still looks like cardboard packaging; weak shadows; needed safety reminders.
Little effort to unify; broke safety rules or left messes.
/ 25
Your Final Score Out of 100 Points
______ / 100
Grade: [ ] 4 • [ ] 3 • [ ] 2 • [ ] 1
Teacher Feedback & Compliments:
