The way an artist represents themselves or others through art.

When an artist hides or obscures parts of their identity, maybe through using abstraction, symbolism, or selective representation.

When an artist intentionally shares aspects of identity, history, or emotions through choices in their work.

The use of objects, colours, or imagery in art to represent deeper meanings or ideas beyond their literal appearance.

Curating identity: choosing what to show in art

Art and design

Mapping identity

Identity, art and  self-expression

Personal to universal: art as connection

Gender and sexuality in art

Religion and belief in art

This unit explores personal identity in art through self-expression, mapping, storytelling, and the interplay between personal and universal themes. Pupils will engage with a variety of art forms while considering how identity is shaped and communicated.

Personal identity

mapping in art is about making sense of who we are, where we come from, and how we move through the world

When an artist expresses personal perspectives, emotions, identity, or experiences in their work, rather than striving for objective representation

the use of objects, colours, or imagery in art to represent deeper meanings or ideas beyond their literal appearance

when an artist expresses personal perspectives, emotions, identity, or experiences in their work, rather than striving for objective representation

the artist’s purpose or motivation behind creating a piece of work

when people, places, or things feel linked together through feelings, experiences, memories, or relationships.

a way of sharing something that happened whether real or imagined.

a group of people in society who share particular qualities which that society associates with being male, female or another identity

a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a person or thing

noticing or showing the small differences between things, instead of thinking everything is the same

a system of beliefs and practices about the meaning of life and the universe

a practice in which an individual uses a technique to train attention and awareness

lasting for a very short time, something temporary or not meant to last

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