Identity
Part of a project for a studio class at Trent University, “Abstract Self-Portrait” is my response to the challenge of creating a ‘self-portrait in a box’. I chose to work with the exterior and interior of the box, covering the outside in a stylized self-portrait. The interior of the box contains images from memories that have contributed to who I am as a person. I used colour and black and white in contrast (exterior vs. interior) to suggest that identity is a complex and contrasting thing, never captured by a single image.
I constructed this box from cut wood panels, and left one side open to reveal the interior of the box as I simultaneously reveal a part of myself to the viewer. The images on the inside of the box are cut photos and are fragmented, revealing only parts of the scenes which the original photos depicted. This was meant to show identity as a complicated and changing thing, never fully realized.
“Abstract Self Portrait” Acrylic on 12 x 12 wood panel (outside), acrylic and collage (inside)
Date: Winter 2012
- Acrylic Painting Techniques
- Process
- Multimedia
The Plan
Taking advantage of both the inside and the outside of the box, I wanted to show a version of myself on the outside and some of the parts that make up who I am on the inside (images of my family/memories).
Skills
