What is YOUR identity?
Identity is the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones, as under varying aspects or conditions. The condition of being oneself or itself and not another (www.dictionary.com).
When you have a sense of your own identity, and a vision of where you want to go in your life, you then have the basis for reaching out to the world and going after your dreams for a better life.
-Stedman Graham
Many people go through life imitating those around them. They copy the art, music, and fashion of others. Besides peer pressure, people are influenced by politically biased media and bombarded by advertisements, and commercials as well as internet images.
Most individuals, especially adolescents, don't seem to have the courage to stand up on their own. Whether it be to speak an opinion or make a different decision, being an unique creature who radiates from the inside out is a rare trait.
Developing a personal identity, is crucial in the development of the human life. Knowing who you are, what you believe, how you stand in trials and triumphs, why you make certain choices, are all established through experience and exposure. All these factors are impacted by peers and popular media. Therefore, in aiding with the growth of a child, it is imperative to provide them with positive, thought-provoking experiences where they may gain courage to reach deep within themselves to discover their own true identity.
Big Ideas students will explore:
*Artists express their identity through their work.
*A person's identity is influenced by media and peer pressure.
*Some works of art are based on identity.
*Questions of personal identity are common to the human experience.
Goals for students:
*The student will analyze his/her own identity through a variety of artists.
*Students will be able to explain how the media and peer pressure influences their identity.
*Identity of influences of media and peer pressure will be interpreted by the student.
*Students will describe how their identity is different from their friends.
*Each student will design artwork expressing their individual identity.
Artists used to inspire students:
Edmonia Lewis, Andy Warhol, Vincent van Gogh, Barbara Kruger, and Cindy Sherman
Essential Questions:
*What is identity?
*How do artists express their identity in their work?
*How does media and peer pressure influence identity?
*How is your identity different from your friend's identity?
*How can art make us aware of our own identity?
*Who are you?
*Who do you want to be?
*How do you think others see you?
*How do you hope others see you?
*Who has most influenced your life? Why?
*In what career do you see yourself?
*How do you want to be remembered?
*What characteristics best represent you?
*What are your best traits?
*What is most challenging for you?
*How can you overcome these challenges?
Identity logo by Jiu: “I am safe within the walls of my parents and grandmother.”
Self-Portrait
by Trey (2011)
by Trey (2011)