LARAMIE, 82071

Reframing Identity: From the UW Art Museum Collection

[DRAFT UNOFFICIAL TEXT]

Who am I? Who are we? A deep exploration of the self has been embedded in humanity for ages, sparking philosophical debate and endless writings on the subject. Artists are among those grappling with the issue of identity – who we are as individuals and collectives – through visual expression. In Reframing Identity, the UW Art Museum showcases works in the collection that allow for consideration of identity formation from a broad range of perspectives, beginning with the portrait and expanding out towards ideas of sexual, cultural, and regional identities, among others. The visual texts presented inspire reflection and consideration of how the concept of “self” is an amalgamation of internal and external forces that can be expressed in a multitude of ways. Viewers are encouraged to explore the specificities and generalities in the artworks, and to imagine new possibilities for self-articulation.