Art & Identity Research Project
OVERVIEW
For this final project you will research two (2) contemporary artists who deal with the theme of
identity. In addition, you will reflect upon and propose an imagined artwork that relates to your own
concept of identity. (Do not worry if you are not artistically inclined, you are NOT expected to create an
actual finished art piece; it is merely a proposal for something you imagine.). The final project will be
presented as a well-researched PowerPoint presentation. Scholarly research and a Works Cited
page/slide are important components of this project.
HOW TO PREPARE
1. Engage with the presentation: “Art & Identity”
2. Read/review the following from the textbook: Chapter 3.10 (The Late Twentieth Century and Art of the
Present Day), 4.9 (The Body in Art) and 4.10 (Identity, Race, & Gender in Art); pp. 180 (grey box)
ARTIST RESEARCH
1. Choose two (2) artists from the list on page three of these instructions. Research your
chosen artists in relation to their interest in a theme of “Identity”.
2. You must use at least three different types of sources in your research project: The artwork
itself will be one source – the most important primary source. Therefore, you must research and
find at least two (2) other types of sources (interview with the artists, scholarly articles, books,
museum website etc.) to use in your study. Most will need to exceed this minimum for a robust
presentation. See page 189 of your textbook for a list of possible primary and secondary sources.
Further resources on how to get started are found in the subheading “Resources” below. You can
find many sources in the library or in one of the library’s databases.
3. Your selection of artists should be intentional and surround a specific sub-topic of identity.
Your research should not focus on identity in only a broad and general way. Clearly identify the sub-
topic that relates to your artists. For example, you may find artists that are similarly interested in
any of the following sub-topics below:
➢ the fluidity of identity
➢ deconstructing cultural, social, or political difference
➢ feminist critique
➢ diversity or artists who create work that explores related cultures, groups, or societies
➢ You may consider choosing artists that work in the same medium (for example, performance
art, painting, or installation) and how that material choice imparts meaning to their work.
4. After selecting your sub-topic and artists, you must decide on a title for your project.
5. Your research into the artists should include biographical information and an examination of the
artists’ approaches. In a PowerPoint presentation of your research, include the following:
a. Biographies of each artist:
i. Image of the artist (photo, sketch, etc.)
ii. Brief biography: name, date of birth/death, where she/he was trained, and a broad
statement about their working process, critical interests and concerns as an artist
b. Three artworks by each artist: Find and select three artworks by each artist. Your artist
may explore many concepts and ideas, but for this project you must find how their work
relates to your chosen sub-topic related to identity. Be selective about which artworks you
choose. Each artwork should have two slides minimum:
i. An image slide which includes a high quality image of the artwork and its basic
identifying information (artist name, title, date, medium, dimensions, and location if
known). You may include detail images or alternative views.
ii. A separate slide should include a researched statement about the artwork. How does
the work relate to your chosen topic? How is this artist’s choice of materials and/or
processes relevant or meaningful?
c. Final Statement (minimum 400 words): In a final written statement you will compare
and contrast the artists and explain how they relate to your chosen sub-topic. Identify and
explain the artist’s values, attitudes and approaches. Support your claims with research and
informed examples/ideas, and draw upon concepts, terms, and approaches learned in class.
Answer preview:
slides limit:19