Using the New to get hold of the Old : self-representation, visual representation, and identity creation through new media

Abstract: My BA-thesis deals with the matter of identity, and how the use of convergent and new media construct a prerequisite for identity construction. In what ways are socio-cultural exchangesvisible within these media? How do convergent and contemporary media help with representation of self and self-expression? I wanted to investigate how online social networks such as Facebook and blogs affect identity and if it changes the conditions under which identity is created. Through denotations and connotations others absorb this information and appropriate it before they in turn share it. I have performed interviews with four main sources who‟ve all revealed how they interact online. In an anonymous online survey five informants offered responses on their social networking habits as well, confirming that most people do not randomly search for information but are instead given information through already established contacts.The artistic presentation of my work began as a series of portraits of myself in various outfits.I then altered this to a brief film, where I copied my face onto bodies of models, similar to paper dolls – a way to represent the idea that by altering clothes my identity changes in the eyes of others, while on the inside I remain the same as I ever was. I then made two short films, about 5-6 minutes in length where I give two lessons: one on how to do a Victory Roll hairstyle, and one on how to put on a 1940‟s inspired make-up, similar to the tutorials one can find on Youtube.com. I then turned all three movies into a DVD, which I showed at the Konstfack Spring Exhibition. I created a small dressing room with the intent of having visitors try on clothes they might not otherwise wear. During the process of writing this essay I have come to the conclusion that we are constantly affected by input from sources around us. We are all part of a network, online and away from the keyboard, of a never ending flow of information. However, with the ever expanding availability of social media our sources increase and even a person who never leaves his or her city has many more options of broadening their horizons, of finding information possibly not available to them before. In regards to how this affects students and teachers it offers more freedom but also responsibility. Teachers must stay on top of new developments, as well as be up to date on new findings. Students now have the freedom to search for information outside the classroom, as well as outside their social cultural setting. Also, as contemporary and convergent media is largely image based even those who are illiterate can with the help of friends, or on their own, find many image sources and via this visual medium be part of the chain of information and expand their knowledge.