Identity Collages
Title: Identity Collages
Type of Project: Guided Exploration
Project Description: Students will explore elements of their identity which they find most important to them. Through structuring a representational portrait of themselves and including found symbolic imagery and text, students will construct a collage in which elements of their identity is communicated. This project will allow the viewer to gain an understanding of a snapshot of these individual's identity while also allowing the artist to build awareness of the importance of their story and worldview.
Processes and Activities: Students were shown a slideshow featuring artists who have explored identity and exhibited their understanding of themselves through visual artworks. We also had a group discussion on how identity is a complex idea that is structured through a multitude of experiences.
Evaluation Criteria:
1. You researched the genre of self portraiture using web databases and/or library resources.
2. The portrait is representational of you and includes additional symbolic elements and text that communicate information about you.
3. You demonstrate an understanding of process in art making. You sketched ideas, tried new things, took risks, and documented the process of what came to be as the final result.
4. Composition is neat, well thought out, and you considered the stylistic choices with the subject matter that you are including.
5. Added symbolic details are relevant, carefully constructed and placed, and assist in creating a balanced, unified composition.
6. Artist statement is thoroughly and thoughtfully written and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Reflection is evident.
7. Participation in final group critique was strong. You presented as well as contributed your thoughts to others. You promoted meaningful discussion.
8. Use of class time was appropriate and meaningful. Care of materials was taken and respect for the process of making the art was considerate and sound.
Type of Project: Guided Exploration
Project Description: Students will explore elements of their identity which they find most important to them. Through structuring a representational portrait of themselves and including found symbolic imagery and text, students will construct a collage in which elements of their identity is communicated. This project will allow the viewer to gain an understanding of a snapshot of these individual's identity while also allowing the artist to build awareness of the importance of their story and worldview.
Processes and Activities: Students were shown a slideshow featuring artists who have explored identity and exhibited their understanding of themselves through visual artworks. We also had a group discussion on how identity is a complex idea that is structured through a multitude of experiences.
Evaluation Criteria:
1. You researched the genre of self portraiture using web databases and/or library resources.
2. The portrait is representational of you and includes additional symbolic elements and text that communicate information about you.
3. You demonstrate an understanding of process in art making. You sketched ideas, tried new things, took risks, and documented the process of what came to be as the final result.
4. Composition is neat, well thought out, and you considered the stylistic choices with the subject matter that you are including.
5. Added symbolic details are relevant, carefully constructed and placed, and assist in creating a balanced, unified composition.
6. Artist statement is thoroughly and thoughtfully written and free of spelling and grammatical errors. Reflection is evident.
7. Participation in final group critique was strong. You presented as well as contributed your thoughts to others. You promoted meaningful discussion.
8. Use of class time was appropriate and meaningful. Care of materials was taken and respect for the process of making the art was considerate and sound.
Nicole
Throughout the process of my Identity College project, I began with an idea. I thought that I would design this project to be solely about who I was and what I am. As the project progressed I realized that an inspiration had hit me. I adored the symbolic nature of Frida Kahlo’s work and wanted to flow with that same idea. Symbols used in my project are putting glasses on to cover my eyes, which showed mystery. They give the viewer a sense of uncertainty or secrecy which are emotions that I perceive are good. When someone doesn't know exactly what they are looking at it makes them curious and they want to know more. Another symbol in my self portrait is the United States map, on the illustration there are small dots and one big heart. The small dots symbolize where I have been before and the big heart is where I live. This is important to me because who I am is where I’ve been. My favorite symbol is the golden arrow pointing upward. To me, this shows that no matter what happens keep moving forward. Underneath the arrow is a golden diamond in which represents glowing wherever you are. I put both of these signs with each other because alone they have cool meanings but together they create a masterpiece of significance; move forward with positive intentions. In creating these amazing symbols I came across words to describe me which is why I love this project so much because everything about it is who I am.
Malorie
Artists can get inspiration from anywhere but however, for this art piece I did I was inspired by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Arcimboldo was known for painting collage portraits of people made out of fruits, flower, books and even silverware. But instead of painting my portrait I used clippings of magazine pages. First, I clipped paper out to shape my face while I did this I’d draw in details like my nose or my smile lines. Next, I shaped my hair then, my shirt and lastly, the background. After I had everything shaped out with my magazine clippings I went back to add details. I added details like bolded words that described me or inspired me such as, “full potential,” “Louis Vuitton” because I love to go shopping, “turning a new leaf” which to me is like starting a new chapter in your life, and a lot more. I also added details like the highlights in my blonde hair, my green eyes or even my pierced ears.
James
During the making of my Identity Collage I took in the idea of color. I think the use of color can represent a person well. In my portrait I used a lot of color fading and dark colors similar to the artwork of Vincent Van Gogh. He had periods of time in his life like depression where his only escape was through art and that shows in my artwork to represent the struggles I’ve had in my life. My hair represents this starting from white to black. The background also represents the struggle we all make at some point from dark green up to a lighter blue. Some images I choose, like the animals, represents my passion I have towards them. I strive to make a better life for animals when I have the chance because their lives are shorter than ours. I also choose multiple food pictures because cooking is one of my biggest hobbies along with baking. I love to try different food combinations to see how they taste. One day I aspire to be known for my creations.
Alyssa
With this project in mind, I started to collect ideas from many different amateur artists. After this researching I decided I liked the darker background accompanied the lighter foreground as it created a good contrast and pushed the focus towards the person depicted in the portrait. I also reflected on the words the artists used. I enjoy writing so the words had a more powerful affect on me than the images. For this reason, you will find many powerful words within my identity collage portrait. Each and every word used resonates within my soul. For example, the words sister and daughter describe what I am, while the words elegant and brave describe what I strive to be. The most important word I used is enough. Everyone dreams of being enough for friends, family, and society. But, most importantly I strive to be enough for myself. I also include some imagery within my piece. Flowers describe a blooming, colorful life even after the hard times of winter. Flowers are a true image of resilience, something I hope to always posses. This piece is a thorough representation of myself.