Did you know your duck-face pout or Snapchat kitten-face is actually an important part of an esteemed historical and artistic tradition?
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The selfie, according to the owner of The Lost Ones gallery, is the 21st century incarnation of the self-portrait, as so expertly and exquisitely practiced by the likes of van Gogh and Rembrandt.
The gallery will this week launch an exhibition entitled This is Me: Examination of the art of self-image. As visitors enter the gallery, they will be accosted by several large mirrors by which they can take their own selfies. Visitors are then asked to upload the pictures to Instagram, with the gallery exhibiting its selected favourites.
But beyond the mirrors lies something else – a complex journey into the idea of self-investigation.
Works by some of the country’s best artists are included, such as Archibald finalist Mirra Whale, video artist Natalie Bookchin, NSW artist Freya Jobbins, Melbourne-based photographic artist Ilona Nelson as well as local talent Aldona Kmiec, James Bonnici, Alee Afzali and Jon Harris.
One of the most fascinating self portraits is by Jobbins – a sculptural bust made of doll body parts.
Gallery owner Stephen Pigott said Jobbins work was a commentary on how we construct our opinions of ourselves based on the ideas of others, and also a statement about ideas of beauty – particularly in fashion.
He said the practice of selfies or self-portraits wasn’t new. In fact, he said if Rembrandt had possessed an iPhone, he would have undoubtedly taken selfies.
“Digital photography has taken off and everyone is taking selfies, it’s given broader access to a habit artist have been practicing for centuries. Everybody is involved in it now, and for pretty much the same reasons,” Mr Pigott said.
“In the hands of practiced selfie takers, they can be quite accomplished. One of the stars in this exhibition is a Gold Coast Instagram star Kurt Coleman. They’re very glamorous and glossy, he’s a young guy in Surfers Paradise. He’s beautiful and vain, but he’s still asking the same questions - this is me, who am I?
“They’re the same questions that Rembrandt was asking, or maybe not. If Rembrandt had an iPhone, would he have taken so many selfies? He probably would have.”
This is Me will continue until September 11.
