Reflective Identity by Nicole D.Brisco.

A study of perception

Throughout history, artists have sought to leave their mark on the world. One of the core human desires is to be remembered. It's about shouting to the world, "I was here, remember me!" Do artists leave the right impression? Do they leave behind a representation of who they really were, or a synthesis of how others saw their lives?


How do you see yourself, and how does that relate to how others see you? The core goal of this project is for students to explore what their true identity is, and to integrate the many meanings of their reflection to construct a unique self-portrait. who she is It is my goal as an art educator to introduce myself to essential questions.

What do I want my students to gain from this portrait exploration? I realized that many students were making assumptions about how they thought others saw them. At this time I decided to look at the concept of “reflective identity” or how we are perceived by others.

- Encourage students to look beyond traditional concepts of reflection.

*Identity

Once students identify what reflective identity is, each should brainstorm with the following prompts:

- How do I define myself?
-What are the most important aspects of my life?
-Am I defined by more physical or emotional characteristics? Who defines me?
-How does each of these people or groups see me?
-Without physical objects or surroundings,would I still be the same?

Reflective

-List ten physically reflective surfaces.
-Look past actual reflective surfaces, what else in your environment refelcts you?
-Of whom are you a reflection?
-Who in your life is a reflection of you?
-How do your actions reflect who you are?

Sketchbook extensions

-Create a portrait of yourself now and how you see yourself in twenty years.
-Look at how M.C Escher created portraits in reflective surfaces. Create a drawing of yourself in a unique surface. 
-Look at Alice Neel's portraits. Notice how she looks at the imperfections of her models. Create a drawing of yourself exposing your imperfections.
-Create a portrait of yourself using dramatic chiaroscuro(treatment of light and dark). Use an unusual light source.
-A self-portrait does not always have to utilize the face. Consider other means to represent yourself. Think outside the box. 

Link: virtualart.admin.tomsk.ru/escher/p-escher1.htm
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