Masked Identity Assignment Guidelines

Note: 

• A Research Packet accompanies this assignment. 
• Additional information to help complete Research Packet and the project located here on the class blog - in the right column, alphabetical order. 
• Masked Identity Artists
• Masked Identity Reading Selections
• Masked Identity Podcast Selections
• Masked Identity Student Work
• Masked Identity Symbols in Art
• Masked Identity Color Research

ASSIGNMENT:
Produce a photograph or video that visually communicates an individual identity. The first part of the assignment asks students to develop an idea by completing a series of research exercises for conceptual development. Next, the student will design and construct a sculpture that fits over their head, concealing the face. The sculpture will be featured in  a series of photos or a video. Aspects such as body pose, clothing and at least one prop will be given careful consideration for inclusion so as to enhance the concept. At least three (3) digital photographs are required. Video length must be at least 1 minute. 


OBJECTIVE:
Expose students to contemporary artists and historical references regarding symbolism. Challenge the student to observe and analyze elements and principles. Expose students to an in-depth research processes that provide opportunity for the development of an idea that challenges student to conceive and execute in multiple processes. 


MATERIALS:

• Wire*
• Wire cutters
• Safety glasses (provided by the art department)
• Tracing paper
• Gel medium
• Brushes
• Cup for water
• Ink set
• Basic colored soft pastel set. 
• Additional materials required to create your chosen prop(s). Materials are your choice. Another option is to purchase the item(s) at a thrift store. 

*16 or 18 gauge wire is good.  However, smaller gauge can be used for details.  When it comes to wire, the higher the number, the thinner the wire.  Purchase your wire at home depot - sample packaging is available for you to look at in the classroom (taped inside of Extra Materials cabinet).  You need a lot of wire, so do not buy small packages of very expensive wire.  Also, I suggest avoiding wire that is lubricated in oil.



STEPS TO FOLLOW:
Step 1
Begin with the Research Packet that has been designed for this assignment. Go to LMS and print the packet. 

Below is an example for a Personal Identity Diagram, Section II in the Research Packet. 

Pictured above is my personal wheel of my main eight identities: Female, Asian, Vietnamese American, Able Bodied, Working Class, Buddhist, Student, and Heterosexual. (The similar colors may make you think certain identities signify something but unfortunately it's just my scanner's poor ability to differentiate different shades of pink and purple.)

Right off the bat you can see that my biggest identity is my gender (Female) which I view as both a Targeted and Advantaged identity due to the fact that I am aware that women are still discriminated against in this society (T) but I also acknowledge that my gender identity matches the gender I was assigned at birth (A).

Following my gender, my race, ethnicity, occupation, and sexual orientation are my next biggest identities. A majority of them I labeled as Advantaged and the reason for that is probably due to the fact that people would usually rather recognize their privileges than their disadvantages. Many would not choose to only look at the qualities of themselves that others discriminate against and in that way, they can withstand prejudice more so than the people who only view themselves as constantly targeted victims of society.

Speaking of lesser qualities, out of the eight, I am notably less aware of my ability, class, and religious identities. As for whether they're more Targeted or Advantaged identities, I find that they're equally categorized. I don't think of my religion as often since there are never opportunities to unless I am at home. I take for granted the fact that I was born with a healthy body and have yet to experience what difficulties handicapped people must endure on a daily basis. My class does not come to mind as often because I am still a student and have yet to step into the competitive financial world.

My ultimate takeaway from this exercise would be that I should appreciate my identities of being able bodied and working class more. Just being able to walk, run, and breathe normally every day is something to be grateful for. Though my family and I aren't wealthy, we still get to live our lives comfortably without worrying about how to get food on the table or if the electricity bill can get paid each month or not. There are many people out there who do not get to experience the same privileges (no matter how big or small) that I do and just by being aware of that, I know to be thankful each and every day and give back in any way that I can.

Source is http://lisathiduong.weebly.com/reading-blog/exercise-personal-identity-wheel

Step 2

• Use the info you gathered in your Research Packet to realize a concept with meaningful decisions. 
• Remember, you are making thoughtful decisions about the scenario. Advanced preparations will need to be made concerning clothing/costume and body pose.
• You are required to include at least one prop that will visually communicate concept. Will you purchase the prop? Make one by drawing, painting or sculpting? 
• What will the relationship be between the prop(s) and the figure and the mask? 

Step 3

• Begin building mask with the materials listed above. 
• Remember, the mask needs to cover your face, head and shoulders.
• Apply color as you cover mask with wet sheets of tracing paper or apply color after wire form covered in tracing paper.

Step 3

• Once the head piece is complete, video or photograph yourself (or someone else) wearing the mask in a carefully orchestrated scenario.
• Use the upstairs photo studio. Remember to sign up for a time to use the studio and clean up after you are done. 

Step 4 

• Present photos or video to class. Date announced in class. 
• Points deducted from project grade for not presenting on assigned date. 

The following information is required for your blog:

• Photographs
• At least one in process photo. 
• At least three professional photo's of the final solution. Include at least one detail shot. 
• Inspiration 
•  Images of artist inspiration with sources. At least three different pieces of inspiration. The term artist is not limited to the visual arts. Music, poetry, dance, literature are a few examples.  
• Artist Statement
• Writing must demonstrate collegiate writing skills. Writing demonstrates time and effort. Writing demonstrates content, reflective thought and intellect. Writing is free of grammar, punctuation and spelling errors
• Optional
• Sketches and/or notes from Research Packet or your own sketchbook. 

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