IDENTITY-MAKING THROUGH ABSTRACT EXPRESSION
ABOUT THIS UNIT
SET YOURSELF UP FOR SUCCESS!
PLEASE READ THIS PRIOR TO THE UNIT STARTING AND ASK ME IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR NEED HELP GETTING STARTED :)
Inspired by the abstract and amorphous forms of artists such as John Clement, Hans Arp, and Richard Erdman, we will explore the expressive style of abstract expressionism and the concept of identity through hands-on drawing and construction techniques. Through a series of experimental activities, material explorations, and conceptual idea development, you will engage with a range of mediums to investigate your personal identity and technical skillsets. Your final artwork will be a non-representational sculpture that expresses an aspect of yourself in an abstract form.
This unit explores the below learning aims for Year 10 students studying visual arts from the Australian Curriculum (ACARA) that have been reworded using ‘I’ statements, because I believe in you achieving these goals!
AC9AVA10C02 [select and manipulate visual conventions, visual arts processes and/or materials to create artworks that reflect personal expression, and represent and/or challenge, ideas, perspectives and/or meaning]
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I will create artworks that communicate my ideas and intentions, developed through experimentation and planning.
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I will research different ways to represent my ideas and interests, exploring a variety of viewpoints to help plan and refine my approach.
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I will record and document my research using my own images or found sources, along with written annotations, evaluations, and reflections.
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I will develop my own creative solutions to express ideas visually, using problem-solving strategies throughout the artmaking process.
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I will create original artworks in response to a specific subject, theme, or idea, using materials and techniques in personal and expressive ways.
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I will apply our understanding of visual arts techniques and processes—such as using sculpture to explore space and form or painting to create texture and depth—to produce artworks with intention and skill.
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Möbius - Schleife, 2011 by Beat Zoderer
THE LINK BETWEEN IDENTITY & ABSTRACT ART
Who am I?
Watch the following video clip of Cara Delevingne's interview on self and identity.
What do you think about it?
Do you resonate with some of these insights?
In everyday life, we often find ourselves stuck in roles like “cool” or “uncool,” “popular” or “outsider”. These labels can create invisible walls between people and stop us from really understanding ourselves and each other. Abstract art, which doesn’t show realistic things like people or places, gives us a chance to step outside of those labels. Instead of telling a clear story or message, it focuses on pure feeling and experience—kind of like listening to music without lyrics that still makes you feel something big.When we feel upset or anxious—like thinking we’re not good enough, feeling left out, or believing we have to always be in control—it often comes from how we see ourselves. We might start to believe we are the problem, like “I’m just not smart,” or “I’m always awkward,” turning ourselves into the cause of our own pain. It’s like watching your life as if it’s a movie where you’re judging yourself from the outside, stuck in a loop of comparing and criticising. Abstract art can break that loop. It doesn’t care about labels or categories. Just like dancing freely in your room to your favourite playlist or painting how you feel instead of what you see—it lets you be in the moment without needing to explain or define yourself. It’s a reminder that you don’t always have to fit into a box.
“As an abstract artist I externalise on canvas what I am experiencing from within but cannot express in words. The forms, shapes, lines and colours that come out are no longer recognisable objects from my projected self-images, that is “what I think I know about myself and the world around me.” Life from this viewpoint becomes a continual dance of appearing and disappearing forms.” (Stone, 2004)
When you are researching artists… ask yourselves the question:
From changing their own identities to changing the identity of objects, how have artists explored the theme of identity?
your homework task
Let's get thinking about what identity is!
There is no right or wrong answer, as it is a concept that is subjective to each individual, based on one's experiences and beliefs.
Start by brainstorming your ideas in whatever form you wish.
What words or images come to mind?
Make sure you document your idea generation as you explore this topic in your workbook and bring to our first class.
Here is an example of a mindmap a student has done -
Personal Identity
•Name, age, personality
•Beliefs and values
•Hobbies and interests
•Life experiences
•Aspirations
Social & Cultural Identity
•Ethnicity and race
•Nationality
•Language
•Religion or spirituality
•Cultural traditions
•Social class
Relational Identity
•Family roles (e.g., daughter, sibling)
•Friendships and social circles
•Community or group membership
•Romantic relationships
Digital & Media Identity
•Social media presence
•Online personas
•Avatars and gaming identities
•Influence of media on self-image
Historical & Collective Identity
•Generational identity (e.g., Gen Z)
•National or colonial histories
•Historical trauma or pride (e.g., diaspora, Indigenous identity)
Gender & Sexual Identity
•Gender identity and expression
•Biological sex
•Sexual orientation
•LGBTQIA+ perspectives
•Gender roles and expectations
Physical Identity
•Body image
•Ability/disability
•Fashion and self-presentation
•Health and fitness