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Shaping the self: An exploration of self-expression and intentionality

Updated: Nov 25


Since the beginning of civilization, people have found ways to express themselves in various communication systems. For example, they invented language systems, laws, religions, chats even art. Have you ever wondered why you need to express yourself and why it matters? Each one of us would answer that we need expression because it is our way to communicate our feelings. But why is it important? Many academics consider that expressing our feelings contributes to self and interpersonal growth. The growth that follows unveils the factors and processes which shape and help to present our identity.


Emotions and Self-Expression


A way of presenting identity is through artistic presentations. Such example involves catholic chapels which often bring about awe and amazement. So, a basic component of analyzing such presentations is its’ impact in our emotional states. Based on brain scanners observed by scientists, same artworks attract diverse emotional responses.

Winn considers that such responses are triggered from different idiosyncrasies. Different experiences shape diverse emotional reactions. However, art has the ability to transform negative experiences to positive ones. Realizing that art is fiction, it helps us distance ourselves from tragic experiences that cause grief and allows contemplation through safe exposure to tragic events. Contemplation leads to introspection which results in meaning-making processes. For instance, moral lessons in stories serve exactly that purpose. The purpose of creating meaning is the summary of our self-expression.

Annette Messager, Les Gants-Grimaces — The Gloves-Grimaces, 1999. Installation view of Annette Messager: motion / emotion, 2014, MCA Australia.

Gloves, framed photographs, coloured pencils.

Image courtesy the artist and MCA Australia © the artist. Photograph: Alex Davies


Self-Awareness and the Intentionality


Overall, self-expression stems from a blend of idiosyncrasies which give color and depth to one’s character and personality. That self-expression which not only involves viewers but tells more also about creators’ inner world. In that sense art brings us closer to our self-awareness by addressing our idiosyncrasies or experiencing them from different stimuli. These unique traits called as idiosyncrasies reveal various moral values, feelings, behaviors and thoughts that may align with them, but not necessarily. Idiosyncrasy brings about unique habits, thoughts and feelings referred as quirks that each one of us has.

For example, if I’m a perfectionist, likely the art that I would make is more orderly and controlled. But if I chose a more expressing brush-stroke as a perfectionist that could either mean that I need to break these unique traits or that it means more something about my disposition or character. So this works a bit like psychotherapy. When we are aware of our quirks, morals, habits and thoughts we either could choose to change these patterns or stick with them. These deliberate choices reveal a power to overcome ourselves and our societal and environmental states which could closely align with the definition of willpower. So, does willpower reveal our personality? Or is it cultivated in cultural contexts?

Dana Schutz, ‘Lumberjacks’, 2020, oil on canvas. © the artist. Courtesy the artist;

Thomas Dane Gallery, London and Naples; and Petzel Gallery, New York


Self-Expression within Cultural Contexts


Supposing that willpower is shaped partially by cultural contexts, cultural values play an important role in cultivating different cultures. Additionally, these cultural values could help extend willpower’s decision-making acts .These acts serve as tactile artifacts which are the summary of our expressive quality. So that quality shapes our aesthetic values. Values based on Callard, is the result of thoughts, motives and affects that are characteristics of one’s agency. So, what we consider (in broad context) beautiful or ugly is a matter of culture? Partially yes, because culture is a big inspiration. However, a lot of times creates inner conflicts. These conflicts struggle between likeness/merit of values.

For example, my emotions many times determine what I value because of past experiences, culture etc. in which I grew up. But, many times what we dislike or are uninterested could have merit. Joseph Raz and Wolf claim that the value of objects, causes, pursuits depends on their appropriation of giving a kind of meaning to our lives. That is the impersonal value of things. The personal one is solely based on likeness and how our attachment to this value relates to ourselves. So, this attachment affects our expression in various contexts such as our relationships, in our brushstrokes, ethics etc. and manifests our individual sense of self-expression towards cultures.

Tatsuo Miyajima,Life (Corps sans Organes) No.3,2013 ,©Lisson Gallery

L.E.D., IC, microcomputer by Ikegami program, Steel, Plastic cover, passive sensor, electric wire,  LED type; Life D-R(1), Life D-BL(2), Life D-W(0), Life D-PG(2), Life G-R(4), Life G-BL(4), Life G-W(2), Life G-PG(1) 106.5 x 198.7 x 11.0 cm / 42 x 78 1/4 x 4 3/8 in


Aesthetic Autonomy and Authenticity


So, if our aesthetic values are really shaped by cultural contexts, then aesthetic autonomy might seem like a quest for pure, personal expression that breaks free from shared norms. But, does this independence risk stripping art of the meaning culture gives it? Think of a chef trying to stay authentic by preserving traditional recipes but also feeling the pull to innovate. One choice might seem overly tied to the past, while the other risks appearing too disconnected, maybe even out of touch with cultural expectations. Here’s the paradox: is authenticity about holding onto tradition, or is it an evolving, personal vision?

This same struggle plays out in our own sense of aesthetic autonomy, which often sways between honoring the culture we come from and following our own path. Then there’s a tougher question: if artists or chefs create without any cultural reference, does their work lose meaning for others? Philosophers like Joseph Raz argue that what we value adds depth to our lives. So, if aesthetic autonomy is most meaningful when it engages with cultural stories such as societal norms and expectations, maybe it’s this connection that lets our self-expression add something real to our shared experience.


Barnett Newman, Black Fire I, oil on canvas, 289.5 x 213.3 cm, 1961 (www.christies.com)


Conclusion


From the interpretation above, self-expression is a blend of cultural values that shape our emotional responses ,our thoughts and motives. While many of our unique traits are just an unconscious response on cultural contexts, the multiple manifestations of these traits suggest that willpower contributes to the development of our identity. In the end, self-expression is not only a cultural product but also a reflection of our agency and choices.

In exploring the term of willpower, we could gain further insights into our motives, intentions and self-awareness. Further, this dynamic relationship which personal autonomy intersects with cultural influence will serve as a testament of personal and cultural development, shaping our selves more consciously. However, ultimately self-expression stands as a thread between individual self and shared heritage, stating who we are within the collective experience.


Bibliography:


(2016)Jerold Levinson,Aesthetic pursuits(198-199)


(2020)Dorota Koczanowicz,The taste of authenticity(217-218,182-184,212)


(2022)Shelley,Developing Self-awareness:Learning processes for self- and interpersonal growth(262-263)


(2023)Irene Martínez Marín,Aesthetic valuing and the self(16-18,19-20,21,25)


(2019)Elen Winner,How art works (74,75,84,87,98,232-233,241)

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