Summary
The two artworks that I chose to analyze were “James Luna Half Indian/Half Mexican 1991” And “Kay WalkingStick You’re an Indian? 1995”. I chose these two artworks because they both ask a pivotal question in today's society. What is identity? Both artworks use the approach to identity from the native American (Indian) point of view. One (Luna) is conflicted with their multi-ethnic background and the other (Walkingstick) ethnic background was assumed for them.
Analyzing “James Luna Half Indian/Half Mexican 1991” you can see three images, all of the same man, on the left it shows a man with long hair, an earring, and a shaven face while his right reveals the same man with short hair and a mustache. In the middle, the same man staring at the middle of the camera showing the contrast between the two styles. By using the two side pictures James Luna confronts the stereotypes of both ethnic backgrounds challenging the audience to reconsider the preconceived notion they have of either race. Not only is his work a masterpiece he uses it as a way of self-exploring by making a personal reflection into his own life allowing the audience to see his perspective. In addition to making it personal, he finds a way to make it political by showing the misrepresentation of indigenous and Mexican identities by allowing people to see the complexities of both cultures and ethnicities. His art shows how one can't just choose between one ethnicity when they both matter so much and the complexity of both can contribute to the person you are.
Analyzing “Kay WalkingStick You’re an Indian? 1995”. This artwork is split into two, the right side is a self-portrait with a rainbow of two colors (red and yellow) over her head and a corn plant on the right side, and the left side is a text saying “ You're an Indian? I thought you were a Jewish girl from Queens that changed her name.” The split of the artwork also shows the duality of identity where one side shows the indigenous symbols and her culture whereas the other side shows the modern Americans perspective on indigenous people. The division inherits Walkingstick's adaptation of her indigenous heritage vs her engagement with American culture. The text on the right side signifies the incompetence of the modern-day American where it has become very common to assume one's ethnicity and implement untrue stereotypes about people. This visual juxtaposition speaks to the duality of WalkingStick's identity as a Cherokee artist navigating both her Native American and Euro-American heritage. This artwork demonstrates the struggles of multiethnic and multicultural people having a place in society without having to choose one heritage rather than expressing the two sides to have a complex identity. What makes this piece different from the previous one is that this piece incorporates a societal single-minded way of thinking that there could be one cultural heritage that you can follow by adding dialogue within the artwork conveying the systematic racism implemented in our society.
Both these artworks have a similar statement that they try to convey, identity is a complex concept that cannot be defined by societal standards but rather is something you are. This means people's preconceived notions about your looks should be irrelevant because you know your cultural heritage and we should let others establish it for us. Both artworks intend to inform the audience about preconceived notions and assumptions about individuals based on their appearance or heritage. Furthermore, they ask the audience to examine the significance of cultural heritage and its relation to individual identity. The target audience for these two works of art would be either this generation or the upcoming one only because it might seem that the older generations might be too far gone to allow for change but it is still extremely useful/ important to inform them about the topic because they can still help contribute to a more understanding and accepting society. The purpose of these artworks being in a museum can be two reasons, one is just for the enjoyment of others. They can come and go enjoying these masterpieces while understanding the symbolism behind them. Two, to bring more awareness to the topic. By the artworks being in a museum it can help reach more people so that they can understand the struggles of societal outlook on identity.