ARTIST'S STATEMENT

Central Question 

How can portraiture explore your identity and examine the seemingly ordinary through a different lens? Through my self portrait series, I hope to uncover new perspectives on myself and other interpretations outside of my mind’s construct.

Literature

Portraiture, the art of an image of a person, has been popular throughout art history, visible on the ceilings and walls of churches or valued at millions as the centerpiece of a museum. Many portrait works have attempted a realistic approach such as Van Gogh’s self portrait or Vermeer’s “Girl with the Pearl Earring”. The eyes, nose, and mouth are clearly distinguishable and the colors used are similar to the actual person it is modeled from (Van Gogh, Vermeer). These realistic portraits often captivate audiences as Vermeer’s portrait has accomplished through composition and the black background (Snow 3). Even with changes in art style and expression, portraits have remained prevalent throughout the art world. Prominent art figures such as Andy Warhol and Picasso have created works that pushed the representations of portraiture. Warhol’s piece Marilyn Diptych clearly depicts Marilyn Monroe, but used abnormal colors like bright pink for her skin (Warhol). Picasso’s Girl with a Mandolin (Fanny Tellier) used a cubist style. The portrait used many geometric shapes and a lack of variety in color to create the shape of a girl with a mandolin (Picasso). Portraits have gone beyond the basic recreation of the likeness of a person, but towards capturing attention, interpretation from the audience, and social commentary.

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Methods

The process for creating each portrait work was similar. First, I researched the portrait work I was mimicking. This involved determining the meaning, key components, as well as doing rough sketches of my vision for that portrait. Then, after determining the main components of the composition, I searched my photo album for a suitable reference photo of myself that matched my criteria. If I failed to find any, I would take many selfies and choose my favorite. Once all my preparation work was complete, I drew a pencil sketch onto my paper or canvas, and then went in with the appropriate medium until completion.

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Audience & Impact

The intended audience of this series of portraits are towards the 12-24 age demographic. Many people of the younger generation are often searching for their identities as they try to find their place within society. They are attempting to find ways to explore and express their true identity. With the advent of social media, building self-esteem can be especially difficult with these specific ideal bodies being pushed into our lives. Through my series, I hope to give my audience and myself an opportunity to reflect on ways we interpret ourselves. All the portraits depict me and yet such a wide range of interpretations of myself can be seen in this five portrait series. The audience would hopefully re-evaluate the ways in which they view their self-identity and gain confidence in their image of themselves.

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References

Picasso, Pablo. Girl with a Mandolin (Fanny Tellier). 1910. Museum of Modern Art, New York. Oil on canvas.

Snow, Edward, and Johannes Vermeer. A study of Vermeer. Univ of California Press, 1994.

Van Gogh, Vincent. Van Gogh Self Portrait. 1889. Musée d'Orsay, Paris. Oil on canvas.

Vermeer, Johannes. Girl with a Pearl Earring. 1665. Mauritshuis, Netherlands. Oil on canvas.

Warhol, Andy. “Andy Warhol. Marilyn Monroe. 1967: MoMA.” The Museum of Modern Art, www.moma.org/collection/works/61240.

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Acknowledgements

I would like to thank Harold, Heather, and Gabi, the Arts Scholars Directors and Graduate assistant, for their support, feedback, and providing this opportunity for such a personalized project. I would also like to thank my peers in Arts Scholars for their input and genuine excitement for our projects, creating an encouraging environment. A final thanks to my friends and family for keeping me motivated and inspired throughout this process.