Embedded Files
Overview
Overview
Studio Established Goal: Students create a split portrait that shows two sides of themselves: their outer self and their inner or “altered ego” side. One side of the portrait will be a basic self-portrait and the other side will be made with symbolic images that make up who they really are or how they are perceived.
Advanced Studio Established Goal: Students will create a technically and conceptually rich mixed media portrait that explores the duality of identity by contrasting their external self with a fictionalized, symbolic, or expressive altered ego. This altered ego may reflect a hidden side, an imagined version of themselves, or who they wish they could be. The final piece can be literal, abstract, surreal, or narrative-based, depending on the student’s artistic voice and intent. Mediums are student-chosen, encouraging personal exploration and creative risk-taking. Through thoughtful composition, symbolism, and media choices, students will visualize both who they are on the outside and who they are—or wish to be—on the inside.
Materials
Materials
DRAWING, PAINTING & COLLAGE
Surfaces: Drawing, Pastel or Charcoal Paper, Canvas Paper
Materials: Colored Pencils, Drawing Pencils, Oil Pastels, Chalk Pastels, Black/White Charcoal, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Collage Materials
Step 1: Identity Exploration
Step 1: Identity Exploration
In your sketchbook, answer this question: What makes you, you.
Write down the definition of duality: Duality refers to the presence of two contrasting or opposing parts within a single thing like light and dark, inside and outside, or reality and imagination.
In the context of art and identity, duality often means exploring the tension between:
who we are vs. who we appear to be
internal emotions vs. external behavior
strength vs. vulnerability
real self vs. imagined or idealized self
Create a mind map and explore one of the following questions as it pertains to duality:
Who am I on the outside vs. the inside?
What part of myself do I hide from others, and what part do I show every day?
How do I act when I feel confident vs. when I feel uncertain or afraid?
Who do I wish I could be vs. who I am?
What version of myself do people expect me to be, and how is that different from who I really am?
What emotions or traits are loud and visible—and which ones are quiet, but just as powerful?
How did I grow up vs. how I wish I was raised?
Step 2: What is an alter ego?
Step 2: What is an alter ego?
Discussion Prompts:
Have you ever acted differently around different people?
Do you ever imagine a version of yourself that’s braver, bolder, weirder, or more powerful?
What would that version of you look like if it were a character in a movie, a comic book, or a dream?
Write down the definition of ALTER EGO. An alter ego is a second self. A different version of who you are. It may represent a hidden side, an exaggerated personality trait, a fantasy identity, or a mask you wear in certain situations.
Pop Culture Examples
Beyoncé → Sasha Fierce (her on-stage persona)
Clark Kent → Superman
David Bowie → Ziggy Stardust
Step 3: Artist Inspiration
Step 3: Artist Inspiration
Use the artists and conceptual ideas below to help you brainstorm your own concept for your alter ego or split identity portrait. You do not need to copy the artist's style, but you can use their ideas, symbolism, or techniques as a jumping-off point for your own.
Choose 2 artists to explore further and look over the Conceptual Tie In’s and Brainstorming Prompts
Document your research in your sketchbook.
Mutu blends human forms with fantastical and natural elements to create deeply layered portraits, often exploring themes of femininity, identity, and cultural mythology. Her work is both surreal and political.
Conceptual tie-in: Explore how identity can be a mix of influences—cultural, emotional, ancestral—and how these can be visually layered.
Brainstorm prompts:
How can I combine human and non-human elements to express my alter ego?
What aspects of my identity feel like a mix of different influences?
What textures or materials could represent different parts of me?
He creates hyper-realistic portraits made of strange, layered materials—like meat, candy, or masks—challenging traditional beauty and identity. His subjects look classical at first glance but are bizarre and unsettling upon closer inspection.
Conceptual tie-in: Explore how people “mask” or cover up parts of themselves, and how internal experiences might look if they were made physical.
Brainstorm prompts:
What would my internal world look like if it took on physical form?
What "mask" do I show others, and what’s underneath it?
Can I use surreal textures or forms to show my alter ego?
While her work is grounded in realism, Saville distorts and layers the human figure—often her own face and body—in ways that challenge perfection, gender identity, and perception.
Conceptual tie-in: Explore the idea of overlapping identities—how can we show more than one version of ourselves at once?
Brainstorm prompts:
How can I show multiple sides of myself at once?
What happens if my portrait isn't "perfect" but shows emotion and complexity?
How does the way I move or carry myself reflect who I am?
Jean creates dreamlike, symbolic portraits full of movement, emotion, and surreal storytelling. His work blends realism with abstraction and fantasy, often with hidden meaning and layered compositions.
Conceptual tie-in: Explore the surreal and imaginative side of identity. How can dream imagery, fantasy, or symbolic objects express who we are?
Brainstorm prompts:
If my inner world were a landscape, what would it look like?
What dreams, fantasies, or fears could become part of my alter ego?
How can I use animals, nature, or objects as symbols for parts of me?
Kahlo’s portraits are deeply personal, symbolic, and emotionally raw. She often depicted herself split between physical reality and emotional/spiritual pain. Her work explores duality, identity, gender, and cultural heritage with powerful surrealist elements.
Conceptual tie-in: Explore the contrast between the outer appearance and internal experiences. How can symbolism and surrealism reveal emotional truths?
Brainstorm prompts:
What symbols represent who I am inside vs. outside?
How do I express emotional or physical struggles in visual ways?
What imagery from my culture or personal story can I include?
Picasso’s Cubist portraits break apart and rearrange the face into simplified geometric shapes, flat planes, and bold colors. This style is super accessible for students who are still developing their drawing or painting skills because it emphasizes expression over realism.
Conceptual tie-in: Explore how identity can feel fragmented or multifaceted. How do the “pieces” of ourselves fit together—or fall apart?
Brainstorm prompts:
What shapes or colors represent my emotions or identity?
How can I show different parts of myself as broken or rearranged pieces?
What does my "reflection" say about who I really am?
Step 4: Brainstorming
Step 4: Brainstorming
List parts of yourself that you usually show (funny, shy, athletic, smart, etc.).
List parts that you hide or wish you could express more.
List imaginary or exaggerated traits (e.g., Rich, Beauty Queen, “I wish I was invisible!” or “My alter ego has fire powers!”).
Step 5: Planning and Thumbnails
Step 5: Planning and Thumbnails
Use the following sketchbook activities and discussion prompts to develop an idea. Think about what you want to communicate and how you can communicate it.
Review material options: Colored Pencils, Drawing Pencils, Oil Pastels, Chalk Pastels, Black/White Charcoal, Acrylic Paint, Watercolor, Collage Materials
Studio Art: Create at least 2 different thumbnail compositions.
Advanced Studio: Create 3 thumbnail sketches with different compositions and media choices. Think about alternative techniques: relief printing, collage layering, texture techniques, acrylic washes, etc.
Conduct a peer feedback gallery walk to choose the strongest idea.
Step 6: Begin Creating
Step 6: Begin Creating
Reflection Questions & Artist Statement
Reflection Questions & Artist Statement
Reflection Questions
Reflection Questions
Copy and paste them into your portfolio and answer them thoroughly:
Studio Art:
What symbols or images did you use to represent your inner self, and why did you choose them?
How does your artwork visually show the contrast between your outer self and your inner self?
What part of your artwork are you most proud of, and what would you improve if you had more time?
What did you learn about yourself while creating this portrait?
Advanced Studio:
How does your altered ego represent a hidden side, desire, or imagined version of yourself?
In what ways did you take creative risks with your media, composition, or style choices?
How do your media choices and visual elements support the conceptual meaning behind your portrait?
What message or narrative do you hope the viewer takes away from your exploration of dual identity?
Artist Statement Questions
Artist Statement Questions
Use the following questions to write a short paragraph about your artwork:
What did you make?
Why did you make it?
What does your artwork mean?
How did you make your artwork?
Your artist statement can include:
Your inspiration
Themes you explored
Personal connections to your work
Information about the creative process (techniques, materials, etc)
Complete a portfolio that includes:
Title of your artwork
Sketches and planning notes
Progress photos
Written reflections questions
Artist Statement
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