About the Work

ID ENTITY’s starting point is the story of the colour blue which emerged as a significant color in the 12th century, rising from a less popular status to symbolize nobility, fidelity, and peace. Once associated with barbarism and foreign warriors, it became the dominant color in art and fashion, also representing sadness in religious works like the Virgin Mary's robes.

During the Renaissance, the arrival of Indigo in Europe sparked a craze for blue, while German thinkers and poets explored color theory and philosophical ideas like ‘active darkness’ and ‘negative capability,’ linking blue to the eternal, as in the sky and sea.

The artist’s personal connection to Ethiopia, through their father’s restoration work on St. George's church in Lalibela, influenced their fascination with the Coptic tradition, bridging ancient and modern experiences. Exploring contemporary themes, the concept of the ‘selfie’ and the myth of Narcissus and Ekko are examined visually and aurally, addressing the line between self-regard and narcissism.

Various media—photography, poetry, sound, and more—are integrated into the work, enriching the artist’s exploration of modern times through a nuanced lens of history and symbolism. 

© Camilla Howalt