Assignment Five: | macmeechan

Assignment Five

Assignment Five: Digital Identities 2

Use your tutor’s feedback on Assignment Four to help you develop your digital identities
project to the point of resolution.

The method of presentation that you choose for your project should be appropriate to, and
complement, the work you make. Your work may suit a print-based submission, or it may
be appropriate to present your work in a book, audio-visual form, web-based project or
installation.

Your project should involve substantial artistic investigation, and the method of presentation
should do your efforts justice. You should view the project as the culmination of the Digital
Image and Culture course.

Include a 500-word text that contextualises your project and provides a self-evaluation.

Introduction: The ME Project

The ME Project aims to explore the concept of digital identity through self-portraiture. Social media, digital avatars, and online platforms increasingly shape perceptions of the self and the complexities and nuances of our digital personas.

Observing participants reflect on how they present themselves online, curate and manipulate their images, and the impact of this digital identity on their sense of self. I considered how I could portray myself in a way that wasn't the stereotypical postings often found on Instagram or Facebook.

My life has changed considerably in 2024. I will use this base for my presentation and capture 12 images of relevant personal items each month. Through this exploration, the ME Project sheds light on identity and self-expression in an artistic style within a technology-driven society.

Inspiration: Briony Campbell

Earlier this year, I discovered I have a pre-cancerous growth. It immediately impacted my life, and I evaluated the essential things to me (family, friends, etc.) more than ever. Pushing me forward, I remembered Briony Campbell's work, 'The Dad Project.' Her work inspired the artistic direction and the title for this assignment.

Connection

Thankfully, my circumstances aren't as severe as her father's was, but I still have monitor my condition every day. Campbell's compositions are very moving and simplistic but very powerful. I want to show seemingly unremarkable images holding hidden depths, and content viewers can relate to and understand or contrast when revisited with a creative eye.

Storytelling

If I were to examine social media and believe everything I observe, I would see that the creators' lives are idyllic and perfect. In reality, that's not real life. My story is a simple one that many people have gone through before, but will resonate with those who have experienced the same.