The “Myself” exhibit at Sheppard Gallery was a great way to better understand my peers, as their self portraiture displayed a deeper look within their selves.
What struck me most about the exhibit was the number of mediums used to produce the works. Rather than displaying traditional photographs or paint on canvas, the artists really tested the boundaries and used more innovative art forms. Just a few of these were: cotton crochet over wire; video; egg tempura, colored gesso, gold, aluminum and copper leaf on wood panel; crocheted human hair; and wood and metal objects.
I think the various mediums added another layer to the works. The technique used to create the actual portrait also tells the viewer something about the artist.
Although each of the works were extremely well done, some did not appear to be self portraiture at all. It was difficult for me to understand how one can picture him or herself as a tree or Petri dish. If these were works were supposed to be just art, rather than self-portraiture than they did not belong in the exhibit. If the artist did indeed intend on the work as a reflection of one’s self, then perhaps a statement next to the work to better explain the piece would have served it well.
In fact, even for the pieces that were more straight-forward self-portraiture work – a statement next to the work would have added another detail. As a viewer of the exhibit, I would have liked to read a little bit about the artist’s insight on each piece.
My favorite work in the “Myself” exhibit was “Beginning” by Amy Guidry. She painted herself woven with butterflies, birds and other creatures of nature with acrylic on canvas. I think the piece is absolutely beautiful, and shows a great realistic and flawless painting technique. The work captured the “wow” factor, and showed something not the average person can create. It also displayed creativity in weaving other creatures with the self, but did not go too far over the edge where the work did not capture the artist’s persona.
Questions for the curator:
1. How did you choose which pieces to include in the exhibit?
2. What is your take on some of the pieces not showing typical self-portraiture?
*Photo credit: "Myself" exhibit brochure
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