I’ve always held a fascination with the self-portrait, whether rendered in paint or in print. I suppose it has something to do with my background in film theory. To me, the self-portrait epitomizes the concept of point-of-view (POV), the purely subjective possession of the “glance” that is revelatory. The self-portrait is that archetypal “mirror” that completes the relationship between the self and identity.
Las Meninas
My favorite self-portrait is Deigo Velazquez’ Las Meninas (Ladies-in-Waiting) 1656. Velazquez’ self-portrait of the artist creating a master work for the Royal Couple of Spain, challenges the viewer to process space and to grapple with an understanding of identity.
As spectators, we understand the compositional elements of the painting, but there is something curious and surreal about its design. We see Velazquez and his canvas in front of us, painting, but who are we? The mirror opposite our point-of-view reveals our identity. We are both the spectator and the subject of the painting simultaneously. A remarkable representation of point-of-view, identity, and class structure wrapped up in a classic self-portrait.
The Reflected Space
I happened to have my Fujifilm x100f with me one day, and after a brief photo-walk shooting with the Acros + Y recipe, I found myself waiting my turn for a haircut at the local barbershop. Looking around the space, I noted some interesting details as the vintage barbershop chairs were still being used and proceeded to take a few photographs. It was then that I looked up and saw myself in the reflection of one of the styling mirrors. What fascinated me was the large plate window in the background and the second barber chair. An interesting composition and I thought that it would also make an interesting self-portrait. It wasn’t until I looked at the JPEG on my computer that I realized that the reflected space rendered by my photograph in the mirror had also flipped the barbershop window now making it readable. I feel like the final image challenges space and point-of-view. Where I am I in relation to the window? The readable position of the barbershop sign suggests that I would be sitting outside the building yet clearly I’m not. While the photograph certainly doesn’t come close to the brilliance of “Las Meninas,” (obviously!) I’m happy with the result and what it represents.
My experience that day continued to teach me that the photographic arts are constantly surprising and fascinating and every time I pick up a camera, I know that I will eagerly anticipate the final image.
Thanks for reading along.
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