This thesis and the culminating exhibition proposes a framework of viewing Identity and Being as two separate theoretical concepts that inform self-expression. Identity and Being are generally interchangeable socio-cultural concepts of who a person is, but my thesis differentiates them. Being is the core of who you are, which is always in motion, shifting as you experience life. Identity is the expression of yourself you make to showcase your Being at any given moment. My body of work consists primarily of video art that investigates the formation of Identity as conscious versus subconscious choices we are compelled towards by external and internal systems as we experience our movement in the cycle of life. I explore external technology systems, including surveillance capitalism, cyberfeminism, and glitch feminism. Internal forces include instinct, balance, nature, and core energy. I use the concept of a shapeshifter (which in the exhibition manifests as a bunny) to lead the viewer through the overwhelming external forces and consider peaceful internal guidance which offers an alternative way of constructing self-expression: a way of Being.
In the thesis, I further focus on the natural ability to shift a person’s Identity alignment with their core Being. Deep investigation into the topic led me to reject the importance of the digital world and choose to focus on internal needs, without external influence. In both the thesis and the exhibition, I choose the direction that, while technology can be a tool, I no longer feel a reliance on it to fuel my self-expression. The peace in life I wish to achieve is possible only by honoring my internal Being.
Gallery Walkthrough
Walkthrough with Video Work Embedded
Opening
Artist Talk
Behind the Scenes
