Before photography, paintings of self-portraits were the main way of preserving someone’s image beyond their lifetime. This was often used as a way of announcing wealth, status and ancestral lineage. None of these advantages apply in the new age of the “selfie”, the self-portrait taken with front-facing phone camera.
In a visual culture, the selfie quickly shows how you’re feeling, where you are, and what you are doing. Brian Solis, an analyst with the Altimeter Group, says teens and young adults look to the selfie as an “evolution” of visual chat. “They communicate not through text, but imagery of themselves. The visuals capture and communicate their state of mind.”
The selfie has become an internet phenomenon, making anyone a mini-celebrity. It’s a chance to convey visually how you feel or who you want to be seen as.
Help me celebrate you. You are a piece of art.
This project will include a minimum of 100 12×12″ painted selfies that will go on exhibit. It’s making the statement that selfies allow us to celebrate us. #iamaworkofart
If you would like to be considered as one of 100 painted selfies, follow along on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter for different times I will be calling for certain types of selfies.
(If you would like to purchase your portrait, they will be for pre-sale for $100 and delivered immediately after the exhibit (place to be announced). If you would like to wait until the show, they will be $200. Anyone chosen for a selfie will receive a 10×10″ colored print of their selfie for free).
Keep posted to get in on your chance to become a piece of art!