Looking Out, Looking In explores the self-portrait genre, a distinct form of portraiture in which subject and artist are one.
Contemporary society has become increasingly attuned to the self-image through social media’s “selfie” culture and reality TV, providing a fascinating backdrop to examine the self-portrait today. From Nora Heysen to Cindy Sherman and Vincent Namatjira, some artists look inwards and reflect on themselves in self-effacing ways or may just be intrigued by their own image; others seek to project an image or identity in more flamboyant displays.
Cindy Sherman, Untitled, 2007–08, colour photograph mounted on aluminium, ed. of 6, AP 1/1, 158.6 × 177.8cm. Purchased 2011 with funds from Tim Fairfax AM through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art © the artist. Courtesy the artist and Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane
Nora Heysen (1911-2003), Self portrait, 1938, oil on canvas laid on board, 39.5 x 29.5cm. Purchased 2011 with funds from Philip Bacon, AM, through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation. Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art © Lou Klepac. Courtesy Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane
Queensland Art Gallery
11 March to 6 August 2023
Brisbane
