Shifting Identities: Mapping Cultural Hybridity Through Photography and Moving Images

A Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for  the degree of BA (Hons) Fine Art (University of Arts London, United Kingdom) - November 2023

Abstract

Keywords: Identity, Cultural Hybridity, Moving Images, Photography

This paper focuses on the intricate interplay of cultural hybridity, identity, and representation in contemporary art practices, with a special interest in photography and moving images. It delves into the established theories such as “cultural hybridity” by Cultural Scholar, Homi Bhabha and the “third culture kid” framework by Sociologist, David Pollock and Psychologist, Ruth Van Reken alongside contemporary artists and artworks to reconsider the shifting possibilities of cultural hybrid identities. In so doing, it attempts to position the medium of photography and moving images as critical modes of representing and questioning cultural hybridity.

Table of Content

• Introduction

• Chapter 1: “Cultural Hybridity” and “Third Culture Kid” - A Theoretical Overview Alongside Artworks by CYJO

• Chapter 2: Photography, Representation and Cultural Hybridity

• Chapter 3: Boedi Widjaja’s Selected Case Studies

• Chapter 4: Reflection on my Art Practice & Conclusion

• References

Introduction

In the words of a British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare, “I am a global soul with roots in many cultures. My art is the bridge between these worlds, a celebration of the diverse tapestry that is human existence.” This statement made by him as a multicultural heritage artist encapsulates his conviction in cultural hybridity and his belief that individuals may draw from various cultural influences to create something new and significant in art.  Artists often face challenges in the current environment, where globalisation, immigration, and numerous influences have muddled the boundaries of traditional identity. They struggle to define their identities in a society where cross-hybridity has become the norm, naturally hybridity is present in the art. By delving into their personal experiences, drawing from their ethnic backgrounds, and incorporating a diverse range of influences into their work, artists traverse this difficult landscape. By using different depictions of the always-changing tapestry of identities in today's globalised society, they want to portray the spirit of this contemporary identity, which frequently reflects the fluid and fluctuating character of human existence.

As an artist, I am interested in exploring my lineage as a Singaporean Peranakan-Taiwanese Chinese individual. I focus on the exploration on ancestry, identity, cultural synthesis and dialogue using filmmaking as my medium in my practice. Which involves exploring and portraying the intersections of cultural hybridity and emphasises the importance of embracing identity, understanding and representing the essence of individual and collective identities. In my thesis, my research focuses on the intricate interplay of cultural hybridity, identity, and representation in art. To explore these themes, I will delve into the established theories such as Cultural Hybridity by Homi Bhabha and the Third Culture Kid framework by Pollock and Van Reken. We can interpret how these two theories are similar and yet different in their own way, the possibilities of flexible identities and drawing insights from these theories, and cross-referencing the journal articles, could help us understand how cultural hybrid identities are challenged and evolve through exchanges, which built our foundation on this thesis allowing critical analysis and insights. With that, we can form a comprehensive understanding on what this hybridity means for today’s contemporary art world by looking at Asian contemporary art. Looking at photography works alongside, analysing the nuances of identity presented in the Peranakan Community in the book “Amek Gambar Taking Pictures: Peranakans and Photography” by Peter Lee, how photography can be the conduit for the fluidity of identity. Conducting an analysis encompassing the works of contemporary photographers, such as Wawi Navarroza and CYJO.  We will be using photography as a medium of art to cross analysis on why it has a limited capacity to convey the intricate nuances of hybrid identity, and the art does not significantly contribute to the idea of cultural identity by looking at the book “Camera Lucida '' written by Roland Barthes. He shares his view on the nature of photography and how it captures certain aspects of reality while leaving others unrepresented. In comparison to photography, why using mixed media could be a better option to be used as a medium in art while handling the concept of “Cultural Hybridity”, which captures the intricacy of the theme more fully. Boedi Widjaja will be well-suited for analysing multi-media work as medium, he works with installations, photography, video and many various mediums, engaging with both historical and contemporary narratives. We will be looking at Boedi Widjaja’s recent works as the main analysis on the theme, to gain a more comprehensive understanding of his recent video art and further enhance my insights into his artistic endeavours.

In today's globalised world, when various cultural aspects blend and interact to form new narratives, identities, and expressions, how does the relation between photography and moving images reflect and contribute to the concept of cultural hybridity? This analysis will allow me to investigate how visual imagery engages with and contributes to our understanding of this complex topic.

.......................... The rest of the Chapters are available via request, contact me via my email, renee_yeo@yahoo.com.sg