Mi caja de identidad (AMS)

Sandra Cisnero’s beloved novel La Casa en Mango Street has been at the center of our discussions during the last third of the trimester. The book has guided our exploration of several themes, such as: perception, stereotypes, and assumptions; and has allowed us to reflect on how we we see ourselves, versus how others see us. Our reading has been enhanced by the close looking of several works of art, some of them directly inspired by the book.

As a way of representing the duality within one person, our exterior (what people see), and our interior (who we are inside), students created identity boxes. The outside of these boxes represent what others see, including possible stereotypes and assumptions. The interior houses colors and images of the maker’s true identity.

The ideas and visual texts for this unit and project come from a curricular unit made by the National Museum of Mexican Art in Chicago, IL.

The novel and its author, Sandra Cisneros.

First work of art we used to introduce the novel.

José Esquivel, Home, Food and Bed, 2015.

Second work of art we used to introduce the book.

Alfred J. Quiroz, The Dilemmas from Milville Neighborhood in Tucson, AZ. 1954, 2015.

Each student described on these two works of art, while the other person listened and drew it. Here are the fantastic results!

Third works of art we discussed in class.

Anna Serrano, Mustard House and Leaves in HP, 2012.

Fourth work of art we discussed in class.

Deborah Roberts, Hoodratgurl, 2013.

Evidence from the book of stereotypes and assumptions.

Leisa’s identity box (interior).

---