Join artist Badra Aji in this unique life drawing workshop as part of our series of teacher professional learning programs coinciding with the exhibition, Tschabalala Self: Skin Tight.

The drawing workshop invites educators to re-engage with drawing through a fresh and expressive lens. Designed to move beyond traditional likeness, the session focuses on the quality, character, and emotional depth of line. Through a mix of guided exercises and open exploration, participants will experiment with line, contour, and mark-making—embracing the human form as a catalyst for personal interpretation rather than technical replication.

Participants will be encouraged to tap into their own visual language, discovering new ways to translate observation into expressive forms. Whether refining existing skills or seeking new approaches to bring back to the classroom, this workshop provides a rich space for creative risk-taking and artistic growth.

This workshop is also open to the general public.

Learning intentions

Connect curriculum expectations with creative practice in real-world teaching
Build confidence in creative experimentation with materials and techniques to support student understanding of visual language and conceptual thinking
Strengthen technical skills in the use of drawing materials and techniques to communicate personal or expressive interpretations of the human form.
Explore the application of art elements and principles (such as line, texture, and composition) in relation to the human figure.
Explore how personal, cultural, and social influences shape the way we draw and interpret the human figure to support teachers to lead rich, research-informed teaching strategies.
Reflect on how the skills and insights from this workshop can be integrated into primary and secondary classroom practice, allowing students to explore their own expressive approaches to life drawing.
Support teachers to critically reflect on their own practice and student learning

AITSL Standards:
Standard 2: Know the content and how to teach it
(2.1) Apply knowledge of the content and teaching strategies of the teaching area to develop engaging teaching activities.

Standard 6: Engage in professional learning
(6.2) Participate in learning to update knowledge and practice, targeted to professional needs and school and/or system priorities.

6.4 Undertake professional learning programs designed to address identified student learning needs.

Standard 6: Professional Engagement

(7.4) Engage with professional teaching networks and broader communities

TICKETS
General Public: $25
Student Teacher $10 + GST
Teacher $15 + GST
Free for regional teachers

Recommended for Primary and Secondary Visual Art Teachers. Pre-Service Teachers are also welcome.

Regional teachers: we’re pleased to be offering a limited number of free spots! To secure a limited free ticket please email education@acca.melbourne and tell us a little about yourself and your school community.

Image: Badra Aji, Ramsay Art Prize 2023, Art Gallery of South Australia, photo: Sam Roberts