The Tourist Project (13)
Description
From the series "Projects (1997-2001)"
In this acclaimed series of work, Nikki S. Lee pictures herself posing as a member of various social scenes and cultural groups—hip-hop artists, senior citizens, skateboarders, yuppies, punks, exotic dancers, tourists, and rural white Americans. Lee transforms herself through clothing and makeup, gesture and demeanor, to integrate into each target group. Here she makes herself into the stereotype of a tourist by donning sunglasses, fanny pack, and camera bag. She performs a role in this imaginary Ohio household with blonde hair, jean shorts, and automobile-oriented pose. Lee’s photographs question the structures through which identities are determined, asking whether identity may be more fluid than such demographic categories assume.
In this acclaimed series of work, Nikki S. Lee pictures herself posing as a member of various social scenes and cultural groups—hip-hop artists, senior citizens, skateboarders, yuppies, punks, exotic dancers, tourists, and rural white Americans. Lee transforms herself through clothing and makeup, gesture and demeanor, to integrate into each target group. Here she makes herself into the stereotype of a tourist by donning sunglasses, fanny pack, and camera bag. She performs a role in this imaginary Ohio household with blonde hair, jean shorts, and automobile-oriented pose. Lee’s photographs question the structures through which identities are determined, asking whether identity may be more fluid than such demographic categories assume.
Creator
Nikki S. Lee
Date
1997
Rights
© Nikki S. Lee
Original Format
Fujiflex print. Edition 2 of 5.
Physical Dimensions
28.25 x 21.25 inches
Files
Citation
Nikki S. Lee, “The Tourist Project (13),” Contemporary Art Purchasing Program - Stamp Gallery, accessed December 29, 2024, https://contemporaryartumd.artinterp.org/omeka/items/show/49.