New
New
Mapping identity
I can use an artist approach to mapping my identity journey.
Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
- Year 9
Mapping identity
I can use an artist approach to mapping my identity journey.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Artists might use mapping through literal geography, map-like work or more subjective or abstract representations.
- Artists have long used mapping as a way to tell personal, cultural, and historical stories.
- Artists might use symbolism and unconventional media in their work.
Keywords
Mapping - mapping in art is about making sense of who we are, where we come from, and how we move through the world
Subjective - When an artist expresses personal perspectives, emotions, identity, or experiences in their work, rather than striving for objective representation
Symbolism - the use of objects, colours, or imagery in art to represent deeper meanings or ideas beyond their literal appearance
Common misconception
Maps in art are literal,
Artists might use mapping through literal geography, map-like work or more abstract or subjective representations of movement, memory, and relationships.
Encourage use of different media and scale for the final task,
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following best describes 'identity' in art?
Which of the following best describes 'identity' in art?
only physical appearance
a single, unchanging idea of a person
just a name and nationality
Q2.Artists always reveal everything about themselves in their work.
Artists always reveal everything about themselves in their work.
True
False
Q3.Which of the following is an example of symbolic representation in art?
Which of the following is an example of symbolic representation in art?
a realistic self-portrait showing the artist’s face
a painting with a mirror reflecting the artist’s image
a photograph of the artist wearing traditional clothing
Q4.Match the artist to their method of exploring identity.
Match the artist to their method of exploring identity.
Q5.Which of the following statements is true about the way artists most often use mapping in their work?
Which of the following statements is true about the way artists most often use mapping in their work?
Mapping in art is about making accurate depictions of places.
Mapping in art is about planning a physical journey.
Q6.Which of the following statements is true about exploring identity in art?
Which of the following statements is true about exploring identity in art?
Artists must always show their face in their work.
Identity in art is fixed and never changes.
Only personal identity can be explored, not cultural identity.
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How might most artists use mapping in their work?
How might most artists use mapping in their work?
to create accurate geographical maps for navigation
only to represent real locations with scientific accuracy
to make roadmaps for cities
Q2.Traditional maps always represent places accurately, while artist maps can be more subjective and symbolic.
Traditional maps always represent places accurately, while artist maps can be more subjective and symbolic.
False
Q3.Match the artist to their mapping approach.
Match the artist to their mapping approach.
Q4.Which mapping style represents identity through words rather than images?
Which mapping style represents identity through words rather than images?
abstract mapping
geographical mapping
symbolic mapping
