Identity
- Ludovic Carquet
- Nov 11, 2024
- 10 min read
Updated: Nov 26, 2024
A Journey from Self-Discovery to Self-Love
Note: This piece doesn’t aim to provide answers, but rather offers paths for reflection. You are free to journey as deeply as you wish into your own sense of self.
In a world that often values conformity over individuality, finding a true sense of self can feel elusive. Yet, for artists seeking to create work that resonates deeply, connecting with one’s core identity is essential. This journey begins with self-discovery and evolves toward self-love — a process that requires both vulnerability and courage.
> What does it truly mean to know oneself and to express that truth in art ?
Layers of Identity
Transcending Society’s Labels to Discover the True Self
Identity is not just inherited, it’s a journey of shedding imposed layers to uncover the essence beneath — a self shaped not by labels but by personal truth.
Identity is often seen as something inherited — shaped by ethnicity, background, and cultural origins. This “given” identity reflects how society sees us, rooted in its expectations and assumptions. Yet, through self-discovery, artists can transcend these initial layers, connecting with a deeper self shaped by personal beliefs and an inner vision that defies external labels. In this process, identity becomes a fusion of both origin and transformation. Through introspection, artists peel away societal labels to reveal a “chosen” identity — one that reflects their true essence and vision. This journey is not about rejecting one’s roots but evolving beyond them—integrating both inherited and chosen aspects into a self that feels complete and authentic.
> What parts of your identity feel “given” ?
> Which have you consciously chosen to embrace ?
Discovering Identity Through Self-Knowledge
Introspection and Exploration
Self-discovery isn’t linear; it’s a mosaic of sometimes contradictory elements, forming what some call the ‘crystallized self’ — a fluid, evolving identity.
True identity begins within. Before sharing any message with the world, artists need to delve into their own unique blend of values, vulnerabilities, and experiences. This journey often involves engaging with art, reflecting on personal moments, and discovering recurring themes that shape their perspective. Through this process, an artist’s identity emerges as a unique lens — both grounded and transformative.
> What experiences have shaped your creative identity ?
> What themes or patterns naturally emerge in your work ?
Bringing Identity to Life
From Inner Insight to True Expression
Embracing one’s identity isn’t a limitation; it is a source of boundless creative freedom.
Turning inner truth into outward expression requires courage. This stage involves experimenting with forms, sounds, and techniques that honor the artist’s core identity, even if they defy mainstream expectations. Identity becomes a form of creative freedom, exemplified by artists like WILLOW or Cleo Sol, who reveal raw, unfiltered perspectives. By expressing a chosen identity, artists share not only who they are but who they have chosen to become, inspiring others to embrace their own paths.
> How do you protect your identity amidst external pressures ?
> What helps you maintain the integrity of your artistic voice ?
Embracing Identity Through Self-Acceptance
Strengths and Vulnerabilities as Part of the Whole
Self-acceptance is about embracing every facet of who we are, like the facets of a crystal. By integrating strengths and vulnerabilities, we gain a clearer understanding of ourselves — and our art.
True self-expression transcends mere artistic output; it’s about embracing oneself fully, with both strengths and perceived flaws. In this act of self-compassion, artists find resilience and forge connections that resonate not because they’re “perfect” but because they’re real.
> How do you integrate vulnerability into your work ?
> How has self-compassion influenced your artistic journey ?
Conclusion
Identity as a Lifelong Journey to Self-Love
In art, each creation reflects the ‘crystallized self’ — a composition of clear and obscure facets, rich with complexity and meaning.
Identity is not a fixed destination—it is a living, breathing composition, like a crystal constantly growing and refracting light in new ways. By embracing both the parts of ourselves we inherit and those we consciously create, we unlock the freedom to be fully, authentically human. This journey, though challenging, is ultimately an act of love—for ourselves, for our heritage, and for the infinite potential of what we can become.
So, what facets of your identity will you choose to let shine today ?
> How do you cultivate self-love through your journey of self-discovery ?
> What advice would you offer someone beginning their journey towards truth in art and life ?
⊙ INSIGHT
Bevy Smith: Discovering Your Authentic Self
Gain deeper insight into the themes of this article with Bevy Smith’s powerful TED Talk. Her reflections on uncovering and embracing your true self offer a profound perspective on the lifelong journey of self-discovery and self-love.
⊗ CINEMATIC
"Good Will Hunting" (1997) – Rediscovering the Self
Robin Williams, in a poignant role, speaks to Will Hunting about the importance of lived experience. He reveals that true identity is not forged by books or external expectations but by embracing one’s own life, emotions, and choices. This scene encapsulates the heart of the identity quest: breaking free from labels and expectations to embrace one’s humanity. It invites deep reflection on how we discover and express our true selves, both as artists and individuals.
⊙ PLAYLIST
Music as Self-Expression
This playlist takes you on a journey through the evolving nature of identity and self-expression. Each song reflects the unique struggle, triumph, and beauty of discovering and embracing one’s authentic self. From vulnerability to empowerment, let these tracks inspire your own reflections on what it means to live and create with integrity.
Exploring Vulnerability Through Emotion
These songs confront the complexities of identity by diving deep into emotional truths, showing the courage in vulnerability.
Billie Eilish – "What Was I Made For?"
A haunting reflection on purpose and identity, this song encapsulates the delicate dance of rediscovering one’s essence.
WILLOW – "symptom of life"
A raw exploration of existence and self-doubt, this track pairs visceral lyrics with WILLOW’s emotive delivery.
Daft Punk – "Within"
A minimalist masterpiece blending robotic precision and human longing, posing existential questions about the nature of self.
Yseult – "Corps"
A poignant meditation on self-acceptance and body image, Yseult’s voice is both fragile and empowering.
Empowerment and Self-Acceptance
Celebrating growth, these tracks illustrate the power of embracing identity and finding confidence in individuality.
Solange – "Cranes in the Sky"
Solange’s exploration of avoidance and healing captures the strength in confronting discomfort and finding balance.
Christine and the Queens – "La marcheuse"
A powerful anthem of resilience and self-empowerment, this song reflects the courage to walk one’s unique path.
Pomme – "je sais pas danser"
A heartfelt confession that embraces imperfections, turning vulnerability into quiet strength.
Frank Ocean – "Self Control"
A beautifully melancholic piece that balances themes of longing and self-realization, showcasing Ocean’s lyrical brilliance.
Navigating Identity in Relationships
These songs reflect the ways personal identity interacts with love, family, and belonging.
Ms. Lauryn Hill – "To Zion"
A heartfelt tribute to the transformative power of motherhood and the strength it brings to one’s sense of self.
Leon Bridges – "River"
A soulful journey of redemption and self-reflection, this track captures the profound search for meaning and grace.
Terrenoire – "Ça va aller"
A hymn to familial ties and resilience, blending poetic vulnerability with cinematic production.
SZA – "20 Something"
A tender ode to the uncertainty and growth of young adulthood, exploring the fragility of relationships and self-discovery.
Philosophical Reflections on Identity
These tracks transcend the personal to grapple with broader existential and philosophical themes.
Bon Iver – "Holocene"
A contemplative reflection on humanity’s smallness within the vastness of the world, blending lush textures and introspective lyrics.
James Blake – "Retrograde"
A haunting exploration of time and self-awareness, Blake’s use of space and emotion creates an intimate yet universal experience.
Erykah Badu – "Out My Mind, Just in Time"
A sprawling, introspective journey through heartbreak and self-reclamation, marked by Badu’s unparalleled soulfulness.
Joni Mitchell – "A Case of You"
A timeless exploration of love and self-reliance, Mitchell’s poetic storytelling remains a touchstone for authenticity.
Blending Heritage and Individuality
These songs reflect how identity evolves when heritage and personal experience intersect, creating something uniquely profound.
Camille – "Seeds"
A playful yet introspective take on generational ties and growth, reflecting on what we inherit and pass on.
Daniel Caesar – "Blessed"
A soulful meditation on love and gratitude, merging emotional honesty with lush instrumentation.
Orelsan feat. Ibeyi – "Notes pour trop tard"
A reflective dialogue about regret and self-awareness, with Ibeyi’s haunting vocals adding depth to Orelsan’s introspection.
Minnie Riperton – "Lovin’ You"
A tender celebration of love and connection, this classic reminds us of the beauty found in simple, genuine expression.
Closing Note
This playlist invites you to explore identity through sound—an intimate and universal journey. As you listen, reflect on how these artists have turned their self-discovery into transformative art. Let their stories inspire your own, encouraging you to embrace the evolving nature of who you are.
✦ PRACTICAL EXERCISE
Exploring Your Identity
This exercise will guide you through a process of self-reflection and creative exploration to deepen your understanding of your identity and how it shapes your artistic expression.
1. Reflect on Your “Given” and “Chosen” Identity
Write down two columns on a sheet of paper:
Given Identity: The aspects of your identity shaped by your upbringing, culture, or societal expectations (e.g., ethnicity, family traditions, geographic roots).
Chosen Identity: The elements you have actively embraced or created through personal experiences, values, and choices (e.g., career, hobbies, beliefs).
Reflect: Which parts feel most authentic to you ? Are there aspects of your "given" identity you wish to evolve or reinterpret ?
2. Create a Self-Portrait in Art or Writing
Artistic Option: Use a medium of your choice (drawing, painting, collage) to visually represent your "crystallized self"—a combination of your given and chosen identities. Include symbols, colors, or textures that feel significant.
Writing Option: Write a short narrative or poem that explores who you are today and how your identity has evolved over time. Highlight a pivotal moment that shaped you.
3. Identify Your Identity in Your Work
Look at a recent piece of your creative work (song, writing, design, or any project). Ask yourself:
What parts of your identity are present in this work ?
How does it reflect your personal truth or experiences ?
Write a short reflection (3–5 sentences) about how your identity influences your creative process.
4. Set an Intention for Your Evolving Identity
Imagine your identity 5 or 10 years from now. What aspects of yourself do you want to nurture ?
Write a simple mantra or affirmation that captures your intention for this evolution (e.g., "I embrace my roots while creating space for my growth," or "I honor my complexity and create without fear").
5. Share or Save Your Work
If comfortable, share your self-portrait, narrative, or mantra with someone you trust to invite dialogue about identity.
Alternatively, save it in a journal or folder as a snapshot of your journey. Revisit it later to see how your sense of self has evolved.
Why This Matters
This exercise turns introspection into action, aligning perfectly with the Identity article's message: self-discovery is a dynamic process. By engaging deeply with your given and chosen identities, you not only understand yourself better but also enrich the authenticity of your creative work.
Share Your Uniqueness !
I’d love to see your exploration of identity come to life. Share your self-portrait, your mantra, or a meaningful reflection in the comments or on social media using the hashtag #TheStillPoint. Let’s spark an authentic conversation and celebrate what makes each of us truly unique.
Why not turn it into a song ?
If music speaks to you, let this reflection inspire a melody, a lyric, or even a full composition. Share your musical creation with the same hashtag and join a collective celebration of self-expression through sound.
✹ EXPANDING THE QUESTION
Identity Across Art Forms
The quest for identity is foundational to all creative expression, transcending music to span cinema, literature, and visual arts.
Many artists begin their journey rooted in the identities assigned to them by society — ethnicity, social class, geography. Yet, through the process of self-discovery, they learn to transcend these external definitions, revealing an identity shaped by personal beliefs, inner sensitivities, and a unique worldview.
Take James Baldwin in literature. His works, such as Go Tell It on the Mountain and The Fire Next Time, explore the intersection of race, sexuality, and social class, subjects closely tied to his identity as an African American man in mid-20th century America. Yet Baldwin’s writing transcends societal labels, reflecting his profound exploration of what it means to be fully human, beyond categories.
In visual arts, Jean-Michel Basquiat provides a compelling example. His works are deeply informed by his Haitian and Puerto Rican heritage and his life in New York, yet his unique approach to art reveals an identity that surpasses these roots. Through symbols, graffiti-style text, and a mix of cultural references, Basquiat created a personal language that speaks to the universal human experience, inviting viewers to question their own identities beyond imposed boundaries.
In cinema, Agnès Varda explored identity not only through her characters but through her own unique voice as a filmmaker. Her work, including Cléo de 5 à 7 and The Gleaners and I, reflects her curiosity, compassion, and deep empathy for others. Varda’s films blur the line between her identity as a woman, a documentarian, and a storyteller, capturing the world through her singular lens, untouched by the dominant cinematic conventions of her time.
Examining identity in this layered way reveals that the journey is less about rejecting one’s origins and more about evolving beyond them. In embracing this evolution, artists invite us to question our own identities, inspiring us to see beyond labels and explore a more profound sense of self. Their work becomes a testament to the evolution of self, showing us that the most profound identity is the one we choose, shaped by personal beliefs and a worldview unbound by external expectations.
> How do artists navigate between their “given” identity and the deeper identity they discover through self-exploration ?
> In what ways does transcending societal labels allow an artist’s true self to emerge ?
Identity is also woven into everyday expressions like fashion and cuisine, where personal and cultural roots blend with individual choice to create something unique.
Through fashion, people communicate aspects of their identity visually — whether drawing on cultural heritage, current trends, or personal aesthetics. Designers like Yohji Yamamoto and Virgil Abloh have used clothing to explore and express complex cultural narratives, transforming fashion into a canvas for identity.
In cuisine, identity emerges through flavors, ingredients, and culinary traditions that reflect personal history and innovation. Chefs like Massimo Bottura and Maneet Chauhan reinterpret traditional dishes with contemporary flair, illustrating that food can be both a connection to one’s origins and a creative journey beyond them. By broadening our understanding of identity to include these daily forms of expression, we see how deeply our choices — big and small — reflect who we are and who we aspire to be.
> How do everyday choices, from clothing to cooking, reflect our deeper sense of self ?
> In what ways do fashion and cuisine allow us to blend heritage with personal identity ?
⧉ Stay Connected to the Creative Journey
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