Shattered Identity of Immigrant Artist and Creation of Art in a Hybridized Space: The Case Study of A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night

Abstract

In this article, first the “paradox of assimilation and difference” and its consequences will be discussed and next the movie A Girl Walks Home Alone at Night by Ana Lily Amirpour who is an immigrant IranianAmerican director will be analyzed. The aim is to show how her shattered identity as an immigrant is represented in her art. Her movie is an amalgamation of different signs from both cultures. These signs are not completely related to host culture (American) or local culture (Iranian). Although this impossible situation seems very painful at the first glance, it is beneficial for immigrant artist. In this hybridized space, she creates a kind of art which is very innovative and unique, because she is not forced to follow the cliché styles which those cultures are dictating her.