Vincent van Gogh: Painting

• Van Gogh's works often evoke an intense, emotional response, reflecting his personal struggles with mental health and his identity as an emotionally tormented artist.
• In his painting 'Starry Night' (1889), van Gogh uses swirling brushstrokes to depict a dreamlike night sky, underscoring his fascination with the cosmic and the infinite.
• 'Sunflowers' (1888) showcases his love for nature and the ability to find beauty in simplicity. It demonstrates Van Gogh’s attentive observation of the natural world, a core aspect of his artistic identity.
• Van Gogh’s self-portraits, such as 'Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear' (1889), are raw and intimate, reflecting his personal tragedy and introspection about self-identity and his place in the world.
• Van Gogh's 'The Potato Eaters' (1885) is a reflection on the common man's struggle, showing his identity as an artist sympathetic towards human hardship.

Mark Rothko: 2D Art

• Rothko's works are characterized by their large, floating blocks of colour, reflecting an identity preoccupied with fundamental human emotions.
• A key example is 'No. 6 (Violet, Green and Red)' (1951), where Rothko uses colour to arouse a physical response from the viewer, reflecting his belief in the spiritual and meditative power of art.
• Rothko's paintings do not offer a clear image or narrative, but are rather meant to evoke emotions, reflecting his identity as an Abstract Expressionist.
• 'Rothko Chapel' (1971) showcases fourteen of Rothko's black but color-hued paintings, designed to be contemplated in silence, presenting Rothko's identity as an artist concerned with the spiritual aspects and the impact of colour and form.
• By dedicating his art to exploring profound human emotions, Rothko presents a distinct identity as an artist deeply in touch with the human condition.

Jasper Johns: 2D Art

• Johns' use of everyday symbols and images, such as the American flag in 'Flag' (1954-55), question accepted narratives and identities, proving his identity as a critical observer of American culture.
• His works often include stencilled letters and numbers, maps, and targets, which suggest an identity concerned with symbols and semiotics.
• In '0 Through 9' (1961), Johns layers the numbers 0 to 9 on top of each other, creating a dense, textural exploration of numbers as symbols and their association with identity, hence identifying himself as an artist fascinated by the integration of symbolism and identity.
• Johns’ identity as an artist often pivots on challenging the viewer’s perception of common objects, pushing the boundaries of what is considered art, leading him to be seen as a prominent figure in the Pop Art movement.
• The intricate textures and surfaces of Johns' work show an identity dedicated to the physicality of painting, reflecting his belief in the drawing and the surface as primary elements of the art form.