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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use an artist approach to mapping my identity journey.

      Key learning points

      1. Artists might use mapping through literal geography, map-like work or more subjective or abstract representations.
      2. Artists have long used mapping as a way to tell personal, cultural, and historical stories.
      3. 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.

      Teacher tip

      Encourage use of different media and scale for the final task,

      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?

      only physical appearance
      Correct answer: who we are, how we feel, and how we connect to the world
      a single, unchanging idea of a person
      just a name and nationality

      Q2.
      Artists always reveal everything about themselves in their work.

      True
      False

      Q3.
      Which of the following is an example of symbolic representation in art?

      a realistic self-portrait showing the artist’s face
      Correct answer: a sculpture made from objects that represent cultural heritage
      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.

      Correct Answer:Claudette Johnson,uses bold portraits of Black figures to explore strength

      uses bold portraits of Black figures to explore strength

      Correct Answer:Hassan Hajjaj,uses photography and patterns to explore cultural hybridity

      uses photography and patterns to explore cultural hybridity

      Correct Answer:Mona Hatoum,uses installation and sculpture to reflect on identity

      uses installation and sculpture to reflect on identity

      Q5.
      Which of the following statements is true about the way artists most often use mapping in their work?

      Correct answer: Mapping in art is about making sense of who we are.
      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?

      Artists must always show their face in their work.
      Correct answer: Identity in art can be explored through literal and symbolic representation.
      Identity in art is fixed and never changes.
      Only personal identity can be explored, not cultural identity.

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How might most artists use mapping in their work?

      to create accurate geographical maps for navigation
      Correct answer: to explore identity, movement, and memory through art
      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.

      Correct answer: True
      False

      Q3.
      Match the artist to their mapping approach.

      Correct Answer:Grayson Perry,uses mapping to show thoughts, emotions, and cultural identity

      uses mapping to show thoughts, emotions, and cultural identity

      Correct Answer:Natalia Nakazawa,uses textile-based mapping to explore migration stories

      uses textile-based mapping to explore migration stories

      Correct Answer:Zarina Hashmi,uses abstract maps to explore themes of home and displacement

      uses abstract maps to explore themes of home and displacement

      Q4.
      Which mapping style represents identity through words rather than images?

      abstract mapping
      geographical mapping
      Correct answer: typographic mapping
      symbolic mapping

      To help you plan your 9 art and design lesson on: Mapping identity, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...