How does society define identity? How do you? How do pieces of the identity puzzle such as gender, color, social class or spirituality influence our experiences? Through a diverse selection of artists and media, this exhibition explores some of the many ways in which identity can be empowered or marginalized, multidimensional or stereotyped. The works of art presented offer different lenses through which to view society. The paintings, sculptures, crafts, and other objects in this exhibition embody and connect to a wide variety of social issues and perspectives to inspire visitor discussion and develop critical thinking skills through visual literacy.

This exhibition reflects a multi-disciplinary curatorial approach to reexamining the permanent collection in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary celebration of University Museums. These collaborative interpretations, juxtaposed with the works of art, aim at encouraging viewers to examine themselves and varying perceptions of identity.

The curatorial team includes Amy Bix, History; April Eisman, Art History; Nancy Gebhart, University Museums; Christiana Langenberg, English; Sara Marcketti, Apparel, Events, and Hospitality Management; Amy Popillion, Human Development and Family Studies; Michèle Schaal, Women’s Studies and English; Jodi Sterle, Animal Science; and Gloria Jones-Johnson, Sociology-LAS.

This exhibition is supported by the ISU Women’s and Diversity Grant Program, Michèle Schaal and Jean-Philippe Tessonnier, Sara Marcketti, the Department of Apparel Events and Hospitality Management, the Department of History, the Department of English, the Department of Women’s Studies, and the University Museums Membership.