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More than 93 million selfies are taken every day... but did you know that artists having been creating self portraits as a representation of how they see themselves since the advent of mirrors?
More than 93 million selfies are taken every day... but did you know that artists having been creating self portraits as a representation of how they see themselves since the advent of mirrors?
1. Check out Famous Self Portraits through history
1. Check out Famous Self Portraits through history
Parmigianino 1503 - 1540
No, not the cheese! Parmigianino was the commonly used name of Italian artist Fracesco Mazzola, who among other things is known for painting one of the first selfies to ever go viral. Okay, maybe that was a tiny exaggeration. But the artist DID use a series of special convex panels to produce dozens of the famous painting featured here: Self-portrait in a Convex Mirror. They were designed to be widely distributed to advertise his talent. It features an extremely elongated hand in the foreground that bears an uncanny resemblance to the image one sees in a round convex mirror that were popular at the time. A painting with this unusual shift in perspective would not be seen again for hundreds of years!
Vincent Van Gogh 1853 - 1890
Dutch post impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh (you may know him from his most famous painting Starry Nights) created 36 self portraits during his painting career. You can see his work- as well as his self image- evolve over the years of his artistic career. While his bright colors and bold approach would change art forever, Vincent really only painted for 10 years. Although there are many paintings of Vincent, only one photograph of the painter remains today.
Frida Kahlo 1907-1954
Frida Kahlo 1907-1954
Frida is perhaps one of the most recognizable artists of the last century. Her self portraits were an enduring outlet to process the suffering of a life filled with sickness, pain, and a tumultuous on again off again relationship with fellow Mexican artist Diego Rivera. Of her 143 paintings, an astounding 55 were self portraits and the work features a surrealist approach to facial features and composition.
2. What is the purpose behind creating a self-portrait?
2. What is the purpose behind creating a self-portrait?
- The purpose of a self portrait depends on the artist. For some, it’s about accessibility. When asked why she photographed herself, Francesca Woodman famously said, “It’s a matter of convenience. I am always available.”
- For other artists, it may be more about the opportunity to play and experiment with new techniques. When you’re alone, you have all the time in the world and can work without worrying about your model. You have permission to use your own image in any way you want.
- Still others use self portrait art to re-shape their sense of self or foster self-acceptance. They want to push themselves emotionally to see themselves in a new light.
- The self portrait is a valuable form of self expression. What you choose to include largely depends on who you would like to be.
Many would argue a selfie is not the same as a self portrait. The time, energy, and thought that goes into a artist's self portrait is regarded as an exercise in discipline, expression, and dedication. But, for the purposes of this class, your self portrait starts with an award-winning selfie.
Many would argue a selfie is not the same as a self portrait. The time, energy, and thought that goes into a artist's self portrait is regarded as an exercise in discipline, expression, and dedication. But, for the purposes of this class, your self portrait starts with an award-winning selfie.
3. Class Activity:
3. Class Activity:
Set up a selfie photograph that represents how you would like to be seen by the world.
Your selfie must:
Include at least 2/3rds of your face
Be in color
Have a simple background
Be uploaded to the classroom assignment as a jpeg or png file.
You will need your selfie photograph for our Vector Self Portrait activity.
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