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The Evolution of Identity
Through Art
Personal Identity
Art has been a means for individuals to explore who they
are, their ancestry, and how they relate to the world.
Early humans, much like modern individuals, depicted
themselves in their environment to affirm their place in
society.
Cave drawings, self-portraits, and contemporary selfies are
all explorations of personal identity.
For example, Vincent van Gogh's 30+ self-portraits provide
insights into his emotional and mental state, reflecting his
place in society and personal struggles.
Cultural and National Identity
Art reflects shared values, history, and traditions
of a group or nation. It serves to connect people
to their heritage while documenting their
evolution.
For example, Frida Kahlos works, such as Self-
portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird
(1940), integrate her Mexican heritage,
personal pain, and political views, making her
art a symbol of cultural and feminist identity.
Historical Identity
Art preserves historical
narratives and cultural
legacies, such as the
funerary steles of Palmyra.
These monuments not only
marked personal identities
but also reflected the broader
socio-cultural influences of
the time. The Hypogeum of Yarhai. Damascus, Syria
Damascus, National Museum, Hypogeum of Yarhai By Arian Zwegers - Damascus,
National Museum, Hypogeum of Yarhai, CC BY 2.0,
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24487952
Fluidity of Identity
Since the 1970s, postmodern theories have challenged static notions of identity,
emphasizing its fluid and multifaceted nature.
Art continues to evolve as a medium to challenge stereotypes, educate, and
provide nuanced narratives of identity.
For example, in Kehinde Wileys Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps (2005),
he reimagines Jacques-Louis Davids portrait of Napoleon. (next slide)
By combining historical European painting styles with contemporary figures, Wiley
reclaims power and representation for marginalized identities, blurring the lines
between traditional and modern, individual and collective identities.
Left: Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps or Bonaparte at the St Bernard Pass, 1801 version, oil on canvas, 275
x 232 cm (sterreichische Galerie Belvedere); right: Kehinde Wiley, Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps, 2005, oil on
canvas, 274.3 x 274.3 cm (Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York) 息 Kehinde Wiley
Art as a Legacy
Art sustains memories of individuals,
communities, and nations, creating a
tangible connection to the past while
challenging static views of identity.
Destruction of art, like ISISs obliteration
of Palmyrene grave markers, is a tragic
erasure of history and cultural identity.
Art remains a dynamic tool for capturing
and reshaping both personal and
collective narratives.
The entrance of the Great Temple of the Abu
Simbel temples, founded around 1264 BC

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The Evolution of Identity Through Art - Overview

  • 1. The Evolution of Identity Through Art
  • 2. Personal Identity Art has been a means for individuals to explore who they are, their ancestry, and how they relate to the world. Early humans, much like modern individuals, depicted themselves in their environment to affirm their place in society. Cave drawings, self-portraits, and contemporary selfies are all explorations of personal identity. For example, Vincent van Gogh's 30+ self-portraits provide insights into his emotional and mental state, reflecting his place in society and personal struggles.
  • 3. Cultural and National Identity Art reflects shared values, history, and traditions of a group or nation. It serves to connect people to their heritage while documenting their evolution. For example, Frida Kahlos works, such as Self- portrait with Thorn Necklace and Hummingbird (1940), integrate her Mexican heritage, personal pain, and political views, making her art a symbol of cultural and feminist identity.
  • 4. Historical Identity Art preserves historical narratives and cultural legacies, such as the funerary steles of Palmyra. These monuments not only marked personal identities but also reflected the broader socio-cultural influences of the time. The Hypogeum of Yarhai. Damascus, Syria Damascus, National Museum, Hypogeum of Yarhai By Arian Zwegers - Damascus, National Museum, Hypogeum of Yarhai, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=24487952
  • 5. Fluidity of Identity Since the 1970s, postmodern theories have challenged static notions of identity, emphasizing its fluid and multifaceted nature. Art continues to evolve as a medium to challenge stereotypes, educate, and provide nuanced narratives of identity. For example, in Kehinde Wileys Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps (2005), he reimagines Jacques-Louis Davids portrait of Napoleon. (next slide) By combining historical European painting styles with contemporary figures, Wiley reclaims power and representation for marginalized identities, blurring the lines between traditional and modern, individual and collective identities.
  • 6. Left: Jacques-Louis David, Napoleon Crossing the Alps or Bonaparte at the St Bernard Pass, 1801 version, oil on canvas, 275 x 232 cm (sterreichische Galerie Belvedere); right: Kehinde Wiley, Napoleon Leading the Army over the Alps, 2005, oil on canvas, 274.3 x 274.3 cm (Brooklyn Museum of Art, New York) 息 Kehinde Wiley
  • 7. Art as a Legacy Art sustains memories of individuals, communities, and nations, creating a tangible connection to the past while challenging static views of identity. Destruction of art, like ISISs obliteration of Palmyrene grave markers, is a tragic erasure of history and cultural identity. Art remains a dynamic tool for capturing and reshaping both personal and collective narratives. The entrance of the Great Temple of the Abu Simbel temples, founded around 1264 BC