Nick Cave
(American, born 1959) 
Speak Louder, 2011
Mixed media including black mother-of-pearl buttons, embroidery floss, upholstery, armature, and mannequins
93 1/2 x 199 x 123 inches (237.49 x 505.46 x 312.42 cm)
Collection Buffalo AKG Art Museum
Purchased jointly by the Buffalo AKG Art Museum with funds provided by the Charles W. Goodyear Fund, by exchange, Gift of Mrs. George A. Forman, by exchange and Gift of Mrs. Georgia M. G. Forman, by exchange and the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago with funds provided by Helen Zell, 2018
2018:2a-g

Artmaking

• Drawing paper (or any paper available to you)
• Black marker or pen
• Coloring tools (crayons, markers, colored pencils, etc.)
• Stickers, if available

Guided Play

• Clothing, shoes, jewelry, and other accessories that makes noise when you move while wearing them
• A way to play music (through your computer, phone, radio, etc.)
• A space to dance!

Texture: physical feel or a touchable sensation on a surface area

Soundsuits: decorative, full body costumes designed to rattle and resonate with the movement of the wearer

Fashion: a popular trend, especially in styles of dress and accessories

Discussion

Begin by using the Teaching Tips and Tools for Discussion. An example of how to bring in information about the artist from something your student observed: If your student observed that it looked like there were people inside the work of art (they may having noticed the feet and legs sticking out from the bottom of the sculpture), you can share that these are "soundsuits," which Nick Cave is well-known for making. Although there isn’t an actual person inside the suit, it could certainly be worn!

Next, watch the following video of “soundsuits” being worn and performed in:

After they watch the video, ask: What did you see? What did you hear? Would you want to wear one of those suits? Why or why not?

For older students: Would you consider these soundsuits fashion, sculpture, or a blend of both?

Let’s compare and contrast: What are the differences that you see between the work in the Albright-Knox's collection and the works in the video (color, material, etc.)? What are some of the similarities (they cover the entire body except the lower legs and feet, it’s a sculpture that can be worn, etc.)?

We suggest showing a picture of the artist before moving on to the project. When students see an image of the artist, especially if the artist is still alive, it helps them to see that art is being made by all types of people, from all over the world.

Artmaking Activity

Overview: This activity encourages young students to use their imaginations inspired by the soundsuits of Nick Cave. For younger students, teachers may wish to send these instructions to parents to follow along. If parents have a printer they can print out the template, or just open it on the screen.

To begin, students should use any drawing/coloring materials available (crayons, colored pencils, markers, etc.) and draw a wild costume. Encourage them to fill in the space around their suit.

Ask: What kinds of lines and shapes do you want to use? Are your lines squiggly, curly, thin, thick, or a zigzag? Remember you can’t see the face, hair color, etc., on Cave’s soundsuits, so feel free to be creative!

Nick Cave used lots of textural materials. If available, students can add stickers to their soundsuit to give it some texture. Now take a look at your creation. Does it have a name? Would you want to wear what you have drawn?

Overview: This activity encourages little ones to use movement and sound to connect to visual art.

Students can create their own soundsuit out of any clothes, costumes, or materials they may have access to. Ask: Does it crinkle or swoosh or clank?

Have your student mimic the noises that they hear when moving in their "soundsuit." If their suit is silent, they can come up with their own sounds. Have them look again at Speak Louder. Do they think any of those sounds would be made with that sculpture? From what parts are the sounds coming from?

Go ahead and dance around in your soundsuit. Play some music! Ask: How does it feel to dance dressed up? What kind of movements do you want to make? Are you moving fast or slow? Are you jumping high or rolling around on the ground?

If you could display your newly created art somewhere, where would it be? What would you call your soundsuit?

Why do you think Nick Cave chooses to make soundsuits for his art? Do you think it’s cool? If you could make your dream soundsuit, what would it be made out of? What materials would you use?

Cut around your drawn soundsuit and glue/tape it to a stick (craft sticks are awesome, but anything along those lines would work—a ruler, a long pencil, a dowel, etc.). Then, the student could use their new puppet to create a performance—it could be a story, a dance, or whatever creative thing that comes to mind! 

Optional: Share a photo or video of your soundsuit on Twitter or Instagram with #BuffaloAKG and #MuseumFromHome!