Identity art project?

[DemiLovato]

Im doing art at college at the current project is 'Identity', teachers say that it would probably best to do about ourselves but Im not too what I could do about.
Does anyone know of any artists I can research that do about identity or sexuality and gender?
Or does anyone have any ideas of how I could fill up my sketchbook a bit more or any ideas for the project in general, thanks

[Raven]

From a sociological point of view (sociology really covers the world we live in, if you're not familiar with it) identity is considered a key factor in how we experience life.

This link (not mine) gives a very basic overview of some of the ideas to think about:
http://socio-logic.tumblr.com/post/12710...ity-theory

A couple of key theorists that might help you brainstorm some suitable issues are Erving Goffman and Zigmunt Bauman, although most sociologists discuss identity at some point.

Goffman (American Sociologist 1950-80 approx) has a great book on Stigma - the notion of a FLAWED IDENTITY. e.g. if someone wears hearing aids or is blind, that aspect of their identity can sometimes overshadow other traits or skills - e.g. they can still be a daughter, a mother etc, a scientist, mathematician or musician, they can be kind, generous or corrupt - but such aspects don't even get considered.

His other well known work is The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life - wiki link here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Present...ryday_Life

The best thing about his work is that it's really accessible and he includes lots of everyday examples in his work.

Zygmunt Bauman is a current thinker and sociologist who sees identity as fluid and having to change constantly in order for us to fit in with others. (this is a very boiled down explanation!) Part of that identity is crucially shaped by the things we consume - eg. the right clothes to hang out with a certain group of people, keeping up to date with technology etc.

Here's a link to a review of his book about identity http://www.culturewars.org.uk/2004-02/identity.htm
and general info on him mitp-webdev.mit.edu/sites/default/files/.../9780262524834_sch_0001.pd.

And this is a link that lists a PDF you can download from MIT website all about Identity, what it is etc.
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?hl=en&aut...entity+MIT

In terms of identity, sexuality, gender I think you need to pick an area that speaks to you. I always advise this on anything creative as it will sustain you when your project is in the middle or you get stuck. Start with something that motivates you.

Frida Kahlo comes to mind if you're considering work around gender and sexuality
https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=freda+...1&tbm=isch

But most artists who work in portraits are essentially saying something about their identity.
You could do a sketch of yourself every morning and every evening to show differences. There is also the role of technology of course, Instagram and Twitpics, Facebook - the images that are presented by individuals themselves rather than a photographer necessarily being seen to EXPLOIT the model- theses days we take raunchy pictures of ourselves and publish them ourselves.

Jot down all your identity aspects - daughter, student, customer, employee, sister, cousin etc and think about what changes you make as you negotiate your different identities. How do you see yourself, how do others see you-- or react to you.

There are also specific areas you could focus on for a project - tatoos, hairstyles, clothes etc or social settings - organised get togethers such as religion, weddings, funerals etc

Hope this all gives you food for thought finally I found this. It's a lesson guide from the US for teachers of Art but towards the bottom are talking points that might help you get focussed on work which has meaning to you.
http://www.thirteen.org/edonline/lessons/whoami/b.html

Best wishes

[bethany]

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