[originally prepared for photoblog publication]
The Phaidon anthology, “500 Self Portraits“, is one of my most treasured art books. Ivi and I have spent hours pouring over its contents, comprised of self-portraits presented more or less chronologically, from Rembrandt to Frida Kahlo to Cindy Sherman.
During my photographic days in Los Angeles in the 60s and 70s, the self-portrait was a natural tool for me and others in my circle of photographers. Not only did we constantly photograph each other — it was almost like the way a pianist would practice scales — but we photographed our own selves when no other human subjects were at hand. Self-portraits were a practical way to test lenses or lighting setups or potential locations. Some of my cohorts did self portraiture as a purposeful project on its own, as more than a practical matter. (One photographed herself in the same pose and position daily as a study over a period of years.) An old visual artist-girlfriend insisted that I send her back self-portraits each day I was on business travels. Most of us were always on the lookout for propitious shooting locations, and when solo, might document the scouting effort with a self-portrait or two. And from time to time, we also photographed ourselves with each other or other people or special venues, more in the documentary spirit of the modern “selfie”.
By the way, as to concerns that self-portraits express some sort of narcissism, I say so what and find that much less troubling than the attitudes that some have of refusing or fearing to be photographed. Seems to me that most people would be curious about how they are perceived by others. (Of course, fear of photography can sometimes be justified, in the case of fugitives from justice, for example.) For that matter, what drives photographers, anyway? The psychology of needing to make photographs — of any kind, let alone self — is a mystery that we can ponder and ruminate over probably indefinitely.
Today I come upon a piece asserting that selfies are modern art. Take a look; perhaps you will find this as interesting as I did.
