Packing tape Installation Project made by Art 2 high school students

My Art 2 students just finished their packing tape sculptures and put them together as an installation in front of our school library. For this project, I had students research different sculptors throughout history and then use that research as inspiration for their own sculpture. I allowed students to work in partners or solo. They could choose their subject matter, as long as it was school appropriate. Requirements included:

• ​Must be at least 3 ft tall or wide
• Must stand on its own (not taped to the floor or wall)
• Can only use packing tape, cardboard, saran wrap, paper, masking tape, tissue paper, or scrap mat board. They strictly could not use glue or paint.
• Some students added lights to their projects provided by me. I got the cheap fairy lights online for around $2 each and just bought dollar tree batteries. Very budget friendly!
• Include an artist statement about your work

To get the different forms and shapes, students wrapped themselves, balls borrowed from the gym and weight room, foam heads I already had, skulls, and other objects found around the art classroom. I modeled to students on how to wrap the object with saran wrap first and then layer the tape. Once the object was covered, they carefully cut the saran wrap and tape away from the object. 2-3 layers of tape was strong enough for most of the projects. Many students reinforced their sculptures with cardboard or filled them with tissue paper.
​
A few students got a little frustrated with the limitations of the materials but most students really seemed to enjoy this project. It was enjoyable to see their plans change and critical thinking skills at work. Those that worked with a partner seemed extra successful. I used 36 rolls of packing tape, 18 rolls of saran wrap, and plenty of scrap cardboard and paper. It was a nice way to use up some scrap materials! We plan on keeping our installation up until winter break. After that, we will display some of them inside of our library, some kids want to take theirs home, and the rest will be recycled for next semesters sculptures.

Check out that eiffel tower! This student worked on her own and many extra hours than the other kiddos. She went for more of a cardboard route, and it worked out wonderfully for her.