‘A Question of Identity - Series 2’
A Question of Identity
As I delve deeper into my next series of drawings, I am filled with a newfound sense of freedom—something I cherish. In this creative journey, I find myself embracing my vulnerability. A more fitting title for this endeavour might be "A Question of Identity."
This body of work explores the concept of personal identity. We all don different personas to navigate the myriad situations in our lives—professional identities, the persona we adopt during light-hearted exchanges, and so on.
Recently, I was presented with an opportunity to hit the "Reset Button" on my own life, and I seized it wholeheartedly. The distractions that once surrounded me faded away, allowing me to uncover my authentic self. This transformative experience raised several important questions:
Who am I? Does my vulnerability define my identity? The superficial aspects of my identity—my name, appearance, language, and beliefs—merely graze the surface. My past, filled with childhood experiences, places I've visited, and family gatherings, has undoubtedly shaped me, but how much of that remains relevant today? More critically, am I being authentic and true to my feelings?
Hidden layers and cultural influences add complexity to my understanding of vulnerability. In our global society, traditions and customs intermingle, obscuring the distinction between what is intrinsic and what is adopted. My thoughts, emotions, and aspirations contribute to my values, yet often feel at odds with my true self. Self-doubt creeps in, reminding me that identity is not a fixed construct; it is fluid, evolving with each experience and connection. This journey of self-discovery reveals that we are all works in progress—and that is perfectly acceptable.
This leads to a pivotal question: Are self-portraits essential in a body of work centred on identity?
Including self-portraits in this exploration can be a powerful decision, fostering direct engagement with personal introspection. These visual narratives offer a window into my inner world, revealing how I perceive myself at various moments in time. Self-portraits serve as tools for examining identity and capturing the complexity and fluidity that define us.
In the context of my artist statement, which underscores the multifaceted nature of identity, self-portraits become both literal and metaphorical reflections of my ongoing journey toward self-discovery. They embody the evolving essence of identity through visual expression. The act of creating a self-portrait itself becomes a means of exploration and reconciliation with my own image, challenging and embracing the various layers of my self.
