Summary
Mati and her magical sidekick Dada travel back in time to meet Giacomo Balla and discover Futurist paintings that try to show speed and motion on a still canvas. Together they explore his pictures of moving dogs, cars, and light and learn about Italy in the early 1900s. A gentle, funny introduction to a great artist for young viewers.
Viewer safety
All ages
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Teaching resources
Discussion questions
Watch how Mati and Dada meet Giacomo Balla, then talk it over:
- What kind of art did Giacomo Balla make, and what made it stand out?
- What did you notice about Giacomo Balla's style — the colors, shapes, or lines they used?
- How did living in Italy in the early 1900s shape the art Giacomo Balla made?
- Which work by Giacomo Balla would you most want to see in real life? Why?
Quick work-a-long
Words to know: futurism, motion, repetition
Try it: draw something moving fast by repeating its shape over and over across the page. Then share one choice you made that Giacomo Balla might have liked.