How and where does identity influence art movements – An ‘Isms’ Overview

Identity can play a significant role in the emergence and evolution of art movements. Artists’ identities, which include their race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, and socioeconomic background, can shape their perspectives, experiences, and artistic expressions. These factors can influence the themes, techniques, and styles of their artworks, as well as their interactions with other artists and the art world.

One way that identity can influence art movements is by inspiring artists to create works that reflect their cultural or personal experiences. For example, the Harlem Renaissance was a cultural movement of the 1920s and 1930s that celebrated African American art, literature, and music. The artists associated with the movement, such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Aaron Douglas, drew on their identities as African Americans to create works that celebrated their heritage and challenged racial stereotypes.

Identity can also shape the way artists are perceived and treated by the art world. In many cases, artists who belong to marginalized groups, such as women or people of colour, have faced discrimination and exclusion from mainstream art movements. However, these artists have often formed their own movements or communities to showcase their work and challenge dominant narratives.

In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the art world. This has led to the emergence of new art movements, such as the Black Lives Matter art movement, which seeks to raise awareness of racial inequality and police brutality through art. These movements are often led by artists who are members of the marginalized groups they seek to represent, and they often challenge the dominant narratives of mainstream art movements.

Overall, identity can influence art movements in complex and diverse ways. Artists’ identities can shape their perspectives and experiences, inspire their artistic expressions, and shape the way they are perceived and treated by the art world.