Narrative Identities

In collaboration with: Hanco Kamper, Craig Runyan, Evi Kontova & Sibe Kokke

Self-expression Self-control Self- representation

‘Narrative Identities’ raises the question of identity, specifically cultural identity, in a world of increasing globalization where people and cultures are converging more than ever before. The question ‘who are you?’ is becoming increasingly difficult for some people to answer. Cultures are meeting, morphing and exchanging. The idea of a fixed identity is becoming redundant. We have to be able to play with representations in order to show a more accurate picture of who we culturally are.
My project illustrates a variety of cultural references and challenges our interpretation and understanding of what these references mean to us today.

The existing enrolment form of Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design is digitalized.  Every student will get a personal profile page where their biographical details are stored, they can change information themselves if needed. This page will be linked to the University website as well as the new system that allows for the creation of an open identity; a system where students are free to express themselves. Students using my system are no longer restricted by way of a limited means of representation - for example: African, British or Asian - but rather can ‘grow’ a visualisation of their complex selves; each cultural representation will be visualized, all of these cultural layers will be combined to create a persons dynamic logo. Each of these tell a specific story. Students are able to add and change to their story whenever they like, thus illustrating the dynamics of culture and identity.

All the dynamic logo’s of the students of a particular course will be combined to create a course logo. And all the course logo’s will in turn create a dynamic logo for the University. In addition a corporate dynamic identity is created.

In the enrolment room there will be an interactive screen. When students hold their student ID in front of it, their personal dynamic logo will appear while it will also show the connections you have with friends or with people that have filled in similar answeres.

To see the meaning and built-up of the personal dynamic logo's please go to:
www.nadiatroeman.com/narrative