Thursday, March 29, 2012

Art and Identity: The Museum of Modern Art


An artwork is a reflection of an artist’s idea and imagination. Different art has a different plot. Depending on plot it expresses its own story. An artwork shows its own identities based on its theme. Self identity is a main factor so that the viewer can easily switch their viewing mind based on the piece of artwork.  

An artwork of personal identity expresses the individuality of the character. The character could be the artist him/herself or may be a character from imagination. The artwork should be able to shade a light on to the character to bring its on focus of the artwork. In the exhibition of Cindy Sherman at The Museum of Modern Art I found most of her artwork expressing personal identities. The following piece of artwork is an example of personal identity artwork. In this artwork the artist Cindy Sherman pictured herself at young age. This artwork is showing age of her mind and imaginations.  

Cindy Sherman 
Untitled #466

Year: 2008

An artwork of historical identity expresses some events in history. It should be able to relate the work with life in past. The artwork "Diaries of Milan" by George Condo is a compilation of different lifestyle of people in history. The artwork is not only expressing a single event but also giving an overview of lots to activities of people in past. It is an identity of historical time and place and it differs from the one with personal identity. Their theme totally differ from each other. 

"Diaries of Milan" 
George Condo 
Year: 1984

The following artwork I think represents cultural identity. In the artist is trying to express a party theme. In the artwork the character is dressed up in party outfit holding a cup representing a cup of beer. This is an cultural event of modern lifestyle.
Cindy Sherman
 Untitled #463
Year: 2007-08

All the above artwork has their own individual theme. One way they overlap is they bears an identity. The artwork should have their own capability of expressing their own theme. This is how an artwork becomes  expressive.

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