Who are We?

Using art to compare concepts with identity, portraiture, and culture how do we see ourselves and others?

Have a discussion in class. Get more information on the artworks by clicking on the "More Info" link.

Discover interest levels of students looking at the art.

Why do artists show identity in so many ways?

How do images give us clues on our cultures?

Compare the following Works of Art with an artistic discussion.

Introduction

Click and play the 3 videos clips.

Look, listen, and think of what is being stated about the art work.

What clues do artists suggest for the meaning of "Who are We?"

Portrait of a Cardinal in His Study attributed to Lorenzo Costa

Click here to get the Flash Player.

Artist: Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Date: 2008
Medium: commentary
Institution: Minneapolis Institute of Arts

Walking Man

Click here to get the Flash Player.

Artist: George Segal
Date: 1988
Medium: Sculpture, Sculptures
Size: overall 72 x 36 x 30 inches
Institution: Walker Art Center
Accession #: 1988.389

Hello World video

Hello World! is a large-scale audio visual installation comprised of thousands of unique video diaries gathered from the internet. The project is a meditation on the contemporary plight of democratic, participative media and the fundamental human desire to be heard.

On one hand, new media technologies like YouTube have enabled new speakers at an alarming rate. On the other hand, no new technologies have emerged that allow us to listen to all of these new public speakers. Each video consists of a single lone individual speaking candidly to a (potentially massive) imagined audience from a private space such as a bedroom, kitchen, or dorm room. The multi-channel sound composition glides between individuals and the group, allowing viewers to listen in on unique speakers or become immersed in the cacophony. Viewers are encouraged to dwell in the space.

Hello World - by Christopher Baker

Group discussion topics

"Who are We?"
Classroom discussion / Group work

Divide the class into groups of 3.

Assign each group a slide of comparing the 2 artworks displayed.

Give each member a large index card to jot down their own findings of the artworks and then compile their information to prepare for a class presentation of their artwork slide comparison.

OR

Suggest to each group that they will decide who in the group will do what to prepare for a class presentation of their artwork slide comparison.

Each group will choose a slide set of comparing works of art to present to the class with their information on the artist, title, date, reactions to the works of art and how it depicts identity, cultural clues, and personal insights.

Possible questions:

Why do artists show identity in so many ways?

How do images give us clues on our cultures?

What do we see and what do artists show us?

What defines our identity and who we are?

Give a personal comment on what in your life has defined "Who You Are".

Ratings:
All group members are engaged in activity.
Information is clearly given.
Reactions and personal comments contain or are capable of clear and subtle perceptions about the subject(s).
Ideas for their own work.