Introduction

As a tribal species humans define themselves through memberships to groups and comparisons to others. We identify ourselves with the things that surround us and the things that we possess. We need to join a group. We feel comfortable when we fit in. We need to conform. Conforming signals: I am like you.

At the same time we all inherit values, norms and ideas. We are free to interpret these in the establishing of the Self but the possibilities to ignore one’s history in this process are limited. Distinctive differences are considered a fundamental part of one’s sense of identity. By conforming are we losing part of our identity? Or is it merely a variation?

We constantly remake our identity. It is a never-ending process of reformulation and alteration. We re-examine, re-adjust and redefine boundaries. And never more so than when departing.

Departure means potential isolation as old networks are being altered by the geographical distance or cease to exist completely. On arrival new networks first have to be established. In order to do so we have to be accepted. To be accepted we have to conform to rules we don’t know, often don’t understand and sometimes don’t agree with.

Many marginalised individuals and groups see assimilation as the key to acceptance and power. But the result may be destruction: You become increasingly invisible as a consequence of integration.

Right: What I Am #01, Elisa Markes-Young, 2005, 700 x 900mm