Identity- Nikki S. Lee

A persons identity is of poignant interest in photography. Often photographers and artist question what identity is and how society has an effect on ones identity. How are identities formed? Is identity something we can change?

Nikki S. Lee is a photographer, however the work in her book 'projects', presents Nikki S.Lee as an artist who performs. Her presence is significantly important in each photograph, even if it is not immediately obvious to the viewer. Her photos are often taken like family snap shots, giving us the impression that these are truthful documentations of her day to day life. Supported by the date stamp which gives the images an amateur quality, due to the sort of cheap camera which would produce this. One could argue that in a way these are a true documentation of Nikki S Lee's life as her work is far more than just going out and taking photos, she spends months preparing for these images, getting know and trust the people she is working with and gaining their approval.

"my life and my work are not separate. I just have more roles than other people. And I have photographs." Nikki S Lee, 'projects' - P17 

Nikki Lee's work raises many issues related to identity and groups within society. Her work highlights the segregation of certain groups in America, however the acceptance of her in each of these chosen groups shows another warmth and closeness to society. The people next to Lee more often than not look relaxed and comfortable with her even though she has made them all aware of her real identity and the projects she is working on.

Nikki S. Lee
The Exotic Dancers Project (4)
2000 | Chromogenic print | 21 x 28 in. 
Fujiflex photograph. Signed, titled and editioned 3/5 on print verso.

Inevitable we begin to address the subject of Nikki Lee's identity, she is a Korean woman who moved to America in 1994 and changed her name to one which was based on a model in Vogue. Inspired by this idea of taking on another persons identity she questions her own identity and what it means to her. Her images portray a woman who is socially accepted into a wide number of groups which are mainly based on something she is not. She takes adapts to these people so well, creating bonds and close relationships, convincing us that she has a confident and strong personalty. However on the other side one could say that her inability to keep the same identity or her real identity, presents a person who is insecure and unsure of who or what they are.

Identity does presents its self as something that can change, often things change unwillingly, for example disability is not something one can prevent, however it does form part of ones identity. Age, again is something we can not prevent, therefore many people choose to disguise this by having plastic surgery or wearing makeup. Nikki S Lee shows that one can change their identity however it presents its self as perhaps only temporary. Ones identity is formed though circumstance, time and the choices we make.