Rachel
Art 100
March 16, 2012
Self-Portrait
Joseph Nicephore Niepce captured the first photographic image in 1826 (Text, 121). I like to imagine the intensity of that moment when he realized what he had done, and the endless possibilities he had opened up. The scale of the achievements that would follow was probably as far from his understanding as the moon was from the men who first studied it. In many ways, photography has become a lazier medium than others. The results can be achieved in very little time comparatively. But photography can also be much more baring, as shown by the moments in history that have been displayed in all their raw glory. Often, these results are extremely uncomfortable, as is evidenced in the many photographs of the dead and wounded throughout the wars in the past century and a half. The truth is often ugly.
But like anything, photography can be used to lie or influence. A movement here, a prop there, and one can create something that looks very real, but may not be so. The same could be used to make a political statement, or an expression of pain. The first photographers to truly utilize this concept were call “Post-modernists” (Text, 436) At the forefront of this postmodern photography was Cindy Sherman. Her use of props and specific settings enabled her to make satirical stabs about the female stereotypes of her day. Suddenly, a photograph could make as much of a statement as a painting or a song.
I chose to do my self-portrait in the medium of photography, in part because I understand this medium more than others, but primarily to make a statement that I can only make through a photograph.
Because the image is a self-portrait, it has obviously been posed. The setting was carefully chosen, the lighting specifically set, and an optimal image achieved. Almost nothing about this image is an accident. In that way, it has been designed to hopefully achieve a precise reaction. At the same time, however, the purpose was to show myself in a vulnerable and raw state. This is how I look. This is my face without make-up, without guile, without pretense. Three angles are shown simultaneously to insure that I have hidden nothing. So although I have set up my shot to lead you in the direction that I want, I am still unprotected in the very personal way that I have chosen to show myself.
This choice came on the heels of being told for the third consecutive time that I would never find love if I didn’t become more attractive. In order to be valued by another human being, I was told to lose weight, buy nicer clothing, and spend more time on my hair and face. My first reaction was hurt. I think even the staunchest among us are hurt by things like this. Like every fragile human, I have the desire to be loved and valued. My next reaction was anger. Who is the world to tell me my worth? I am more than my skin and if I am ugly, I will rejoice in my ugliness. I value myself from all angles, regardless of my flaws. I thank the artists who have come before me for showing me that everything can be seen in a new way; full of ugliness, promise, and value.
