Self portraits, I’d argue, play a significant role in art and our development as people. Through self portraits countless artists have explored their identity, emotions and personal experiences. The self-portrait has influenced modern art in many ways and today I want to give you a brief list of things to think about next time someone slams the ‘selfie’ as a shameful form of egoism.
Personal expression!
Self portraits allow artists to express their innermost thoughts and experiences. The ‘selfie’ gives them a medium to share their unique perspectives and individuality with the world. You should not be made to feel shame for sharing self expression.
Breaking conventions!
Self portraits have often challenged traditional notions of beauty and representation. Artists like Frida Kahlo and Cindy Sherman have used self-portraits to question societal norms and challenge stereotypes. A large portion of the population do not see themselves represented in media, why not take matters into their own hands and take up space in the vast media we consume on a daily basis?
Cindy Sherman
Psychological exploration!
A self portrait can serve as a form of self-reflection and introspection. Artists that come to mind: Picasso and Van Gogh. A self portrait can be a tool to explore your own psyche and emotions. A picture is worth a thousand words- sometimes studying ourselves gives insight on what’s happening within.
Picasso Self Portrait Facing Death (June 30, 1972)
Pop culture influence!
We can graze the surface and talk about how selfies that famous people post on socials directly influence culture and fashion; but I’d like to go further than that and bring up Andy Warhol, an artist who still influences us to this day. He used his self portraits to engage with celebrity and pop culture of the time. Warhol’s iconic self portraits often featured bold colors and repetitive imagery, reflecting the influence of mass media on modern art.
Commercial influence!
Let’s talk about Macy’s department store for a second! Macy’s revolutionized the holiday season when they debuted the nation’s very first Christmas windows in 1874. The window display was so popular that they eventually built a décor that patrons could take photos with as a souvenir. Sound familiar? The first modern selfie experience was born! A self portrait studio or public photo op makes photography accessible to a wider audience. It helps to democratize the art world, since decors of opulence and wild creativity are no longer just for the rich and famous.
Macy's Holiday lineup to see the new decor
Overall, self portrait art has had a profound influence on modern art by allowing artists to express themselves in a personal and introspective way. To this day Frida, Cindy, Picasso and all the other self portraitists have haters. It doesn’t change what they’ve accomplished and what their art has made people feel. Who knows, maybe your next selfie will be studied in a classroom 50 years from now.
Unleash that self exploration and creativity, I for one, can’t wait to see what you create.