Mythology and National Identity

Mythology and National Identity
Explore mythology and nation building

by Ger Fox
by Rory Bradley
by Dun Laoghaire Institute Of Art Design + Technology (Dublin, Ireland)

This Idea is part of a cross EU workshop. As young adults living and studying within the European community, each workshop participant has their own lived experience of 'living as a European' in the context of a wider transnational community. There are many factors that contribute to each participant's sense of personal identity; these include cultural, social, historical, political, and economic factors.

Each group is invited to reflect upon the concept of a shared European identity — through the lens of an assigned EU Value. By working through a series of incremental workshop ‘sprints’, each group is asked to explore through communication design and visual rhetoric the making of a short and concise audio-visual sequence for digital dissemination.

Participants are then invited to set their own personal and collective perspectives against the aspiration of their assigned value.

By reflecting upon these collective insights, a defined socio-political point-of-view should emerge which is shared by the group. Using a variety of visual media tools, each group must explore multiple modes of visual expression re. defined point-of-view.

Groups are encouraged to play with and subvert established or invented tropes of national identity/pageantry such as crests, heraldry, symbols, flags, chants, anthems, sashes, costume, parade and dance etc.

The workshop concludes with the production of a Motion Postcard. The aim of this Motion Postcard sequence, and it’s subsequent dissemination, is to activate Europeans into collective action in order to enhance their participation within a broader community of citizens.

The sequence should aim to inspire tangible responses or actions from your target audience. In this context, your group are also asked to consider how strategies of digital dissemination could amplify the impact/online life of your sequence after this workshop. You may find it helpful to consider ending your sequence with a #CallToAction to emphasise citizen engagement and participation in whatever form is deemed appropriate.

Day 01:
The participants should be formed into groups and assigned one of the EU Values.

Day 02:
The groups should generate visual and textual assets using analogue + digital that express the most distinctive aspects of [y]our shared findings. This can include:
— Words [eg. Mottos, Manifestos, Anthem lyrics etc]
— Graphic Symbols Icons Pictograms, Ideograms
— Colour + Pattern + [Abstract Graphic Form]
— Images [Drawing, Experimental Image, Photo, Video]
— Audio

Day 03:
The groups should juxtapose, edit, remix to create multiple analogue and digital iterations of there visual assets.

Day 04 and 05:
The results should be ordered into a narrative that expresses the groups view on the assigned value.

[Principles and Values]: These were the aims and values each student group was assigned to respond to. https://european-union.europa.eu/principles-countries-history/principles-and-values/aims-and-values_en

A group of people gathered in a classroom or office-like environment. Several individuals are standing, some with thoughtful expressions, while others are seated at desks with laptops and papers spread out. In the background, computer monitors display various content, and whiteboards or bulletin boards are visible on the walls. The setting suggests a collaborative or brainstorming session.
Students taking part in a group crit

I3_img1 by Rory Bradley & Ger Fox is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

A small group of individuals engaged in a focused discussion around a table with laptops and notes. One person seated at the table is speaking, gesturing with their hands, while others standing around listen attentively. The background features sticky notes and printed materials pinned to the wall, indicating a creative or planning session.
Student group discussing their project

I3_img2 by Rory Bradley & Ger Fox is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

A studio setup with a green screen background, lighting equipment, and a mannequin in the foreground. Several individuals are working collaboratively: one adjusts equipment, another crouches near the floor, and others observe or participate. The atmosphere suggests a photoshoot or video production session with an emphasis on creativity and hands-on work.
Student group using a green screen set-up

I3_img3 by Rory Bradley & Ger Fox is licensed under CC BY 4.0.

This assignment was created by Ger Fox, Linda King and Rory Bradley. All are lectures in design in IADT.

Author’s encouragement
Given the currently political and social climate, asking people to engage with values similar to those of the EU is a worthwhile experience. Collaboration, tolerance and diversity are very important to foster in young creatives.

 

Prior knowledge, preparation
Teachers should be able to help guide participants through the project using a design process such as the double diamond method.

Students should be familiar with the basics of visual communication and image making but cross disciplinary teams are encouraged.

 

Accessibility
This task could be simplified in the outcomes, for instance it could be a static postcard if the motion component is too complex or the tools are not available.

 

Additional Tools
This workshop is designed to use any and all tools that are to hand. Be creative and use constraints to your advantage.