Abstract:
Galicia is a stateless nation in Northwest Spain with a highly distinctive culture and identity, which are the primary subjects for academic analysis in Galician cultural studies. The question of Galicianness─that is, the collective sense of Galician identity and its defining aspects─has been the central object of study in this multidisciplinary area to date. Nevertheless, it has not been systematically analysed through the lens of visual studies. This study therefore aims to explore the interaction between Galicia’s national identity and Galician visual culture as a whole, so as to determine the role that the latter has played in the modern development of Galicia’s national awareness and to discover noteworthy patterns of visual expression of Galicianness. The discussion embraces the period of formation of Galician national identity from the late-nineteenth century up to the present day. The scope of the research comprises a wide range of visual cultural production, from traditional visual arts to other forms of visual culture, such as cinema, advertising, merchandising and street art.
This project is informed by a theoretical framework that conceptualises national identity as a multifaceted matrix consisting of several differentiating elements and rooted in culture, history, geography, economy and politics. These characteristics are expressed visually by means of national imagery, understood as the totality of images and symbols embodying ideas of the nation. The research design is supported by a mixed methodology based on the study of patterns of national imagery and the use of interpretative visual methods. The investigation demonstrates that Galician visual artists have significantly contributed to the construction, revival and promotion of Galician identity, and that most aspects of Galicianness can be expressed visually and identified in many formats of visual culture. This project reveals the strong connections between the discourses of Galicia’s national identity and Galician visual culture, a proven powerful vehicle for expressing Galicianness. It aims to make significant contributions to the field of Galician studies, including the innovative application of interpretative visual methods to the research field, the incorporation of previously neglected research areas, and the attaining of new insights into the formation of Galician national identity.