Self portraits: Of what others see....and how I may see myself....
Friday, January 31, 2014
Friday, January 24, 2014
Self portraits and My selfie
This first one I found the name attached to a different painting saying that it was a self-portrait, but when I tried to get a good reference to it's origin I could not. Therefore, I went on a search to find whether the name or the painting didn't match. It was actually the painting. I actually like the painting that the artist Gabriele Münter (1877-1962) did of herself. The painting caught my eye because of how I saw that the dull expression was in such contrast to the cheery bright color. This reminds me of a picture I have seen of my grandmother with the big hat. Looking at the way the colors separate and are in contrast with her white shirt with such a piece of jewelry for her pendant, and love how the flowers in her hat look as if they were freshly picked. I particularly notice that the artist has not painted her arms distinctively, which I believe if I am correct should be painting with her left hand, otherwise the body would be crossed. The eyes on the lady looks as she is looking beyond where she is at the present time.
"indistinctly inscribed with the Nachlass stamp....painted circa 1909"
I remember the Andy Warhol artist from when I was in high school as one of the artists that we had studied. Not remembering any particular piece specifically, I looked at several trying to jog my memory. Though I did see the ones we studied this particular representation was less "out there" and though contemporary this not abstract, but a realistic portrayal of the artist. I am also drawn to the look of just being there, rather than with a superficial smile, this is probably one of the most "raw" pieces as the artist isn't hiding behind some abstract, bright, or wild hair. The red lips, and captivating eyes are contrasts to the blonde hair with the white shirt and consuming background. Looked very much like the iconic Marilyn Monroe.
Inscribed "across lower right: © Andy Warhol [embossed]; on verso, across upper center in graphite: FA03.00137; across lower center, stamped in black ink: POLACOLOR 2 J110331"
This is a a self-portrait that is carved into wood. I liked the monochromatic coloring. Similar to the other where the background is very little contrast to the actual face. The very neat thing to me was about this was that though it was from a long time ago, it almost looks as if it was taken with a cellphone in a darkened room where there wasn't lighting but just enough to allow the face to be seen. The expression is similar to the other two in that she is not smiling, but her eyes look hopeful. The face of a person that has lived life with a fair share of downs, as well as, ups. The uniqueness and the level of skill that is required to portray all of the little nuisances and detail is quite remarkable. Truly I am excited about this course, and how much I am to learn about myself. Though I too, have been in the same state of mind that seems to be portrayed in these self-portraits. That I understand how life can begin to take its toll on your outlook. I am hopeful that I can begin to see myself and the world in a little bit of a fresher light, to begin to see things for what they could become instead of dreading what is to come. I am excited to begin to capture moments of life that make life worth living. The moments that are cataloged in digital or film format, learning how to view things positively.
My recent selfie ...on a pretty memorable night because it was my son's senior year football sports banquet wearing a scarf that I met my husband with 24 years ago. To be honest, I didn't even know that the pictures we capture of ourselves these days so frequently are called selfies. I heard the term on new years eve when both my daughter and my son's girlfriend made it a point to capture their last selfie of 2013. Then I began to hear the term more and more. I believe that due to social media and the proliferation of photographic devices that can be easily uploaded to any site that one might wish to portray themselves to whether that be instagram, facebook, myspace or blogs that one shares their nuggets of wisdom to the world. I know that my children and even my grandchild at the age of 2 can and does take my phone any chance they get to take several dozen pictures of themselves making various silly faces and hand gestures. It is almost equivalent to when we mothers would write a sweet note for them to find in their lunch boxes. The world is becoming much closer, friends in other countries brought together by shared interests. A very interesting one I my daughter began to keep a support group, if you will, of mothers that had the same due date and all now have babies with nearly the same birthdays through instagram. She had shared photos of her growing baby bump, and the ultrasound pictures before the baby was born, and then afterwards the firsts and precious moments were captured on digital media and shared with these "friends" bonded by very dear thread. There was even one of the mothers that was apart of the group that had sadly had to deliver a stillborn baby girl, they had dressed and posted prior to the baby's burial. It was such a sad moment, while we were marveling at the miracle of the angel we were admiring every grunt, and wiggle.... It is so true a picture is worth a thousand words. I am so happy that we are able to capture them for later recall, especially since it "seems time keeps on slipping, slipping, into the future..."
= P
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