Cindy Sherman Ana Mendiet The Conception Of Individual Identity

Identity is the way we perceive and express ourselves (Niriam Art Magazine, 2004). Factors and conditions that an individual is born with-such as ethnic heritage, gender, or one’s DNA- often play a role in defining one’s identity (Niriam Art Magazine, 2004). There is an innumerable sum of artists that use their work to express, explore, and question ideas about individual identity. The exploration of identity, a conception paramount to the human condition and sense of self, has been a theme that has resurfaced recurrently throughout the history of art (MoMA, 2013). Artists often use their works as a primary means of communicating their complex identities to their audiences. Whether that be adopting certain fashions or affiliating themselves with political beliefs based on their identities, identities can predispose decisions of an individual.
Two artists whose practice has centered on the expression of identity though self- portraiture are Cindy Sherman and Ana Mendieta. Due to variations in their context, however, each artist has approached this genre in different ways and has utilized it to focus on contrasting aspects of their identity through diverse media techniques, symbolism, experiences, beliefs and ideas that make them who they