Self Portraits

  Durdy Bayramov, Turkmen Decorations and Self-Portrait , 1975 CONTEXT CLUES: In the many portraits he created, Bayramov tried to capture his subjects' character, inner life, and diverse personalities. Bayramov said he did this by “always looking for that special spark that exists within each person.” In this self-portrait, Bayramov is reflected in a mirror, surrounded by traditional bags and other decorations from his home in Turkmenistan. Why do you think Bayramov chose to make himself such a small part of the picture and focus more on the decorations? Other (NOT self-portraits) by Bayramov:

  Chéri Samba, The real map of the world (N°1) , 2011 CONTEXT CLUES: Chéri Samba's paintings often focus on everyday life in his home of the Democratic Republic of Congo’s capital city, Kinshasa. His paintings sometimes incorporate text and word bubbles that address forefront social and political issues, such as social inequity and government corruption.  In this self-portrait, Samba is surrounded by a globe filled with texts and images, depicting Samba’s interpretation of world events and his spiritual beliefs. The painting reflects Samba’s critique of globalization and his vision of an interconnected world. Why do you think Samba included himself in the middle of this painting? Other self-portraits by Samba:     

  Arnold Böcklin, Self-portrait with Death Playing the Fiddle, 1872 CONTEXT CLUES: Death and mortality are a repeating theme in several of Böcklin's artworks. In this self-portrait, the personification of Death stands behind the artist. Death holds a violin, drawing a bow across the single remaining string, its other strings conspicuously absent. The painter, alert, has paused in his work. He's clearly aware of the figure right behind him but isn't turning to look. Why do you think  Böcklin might have painted himself in the presence of Death? Why do you think he's still so calm and composed in the picture? Other self-portraits by Böcklin:

  T. C. Cannon, Self-Portrait in the Studio , 1975 CONTEXT CLUES: Cannon was a Native American (part of the Kiowa Indian Tribe of Oklahoma) and his art reflects his culture and heritage, as well as his experiences in the Vietnam War. His work often combines Native people in traditional clothing with a modern style of bright colors and patterns. In his self-portrait, Cannon is sitting in his art studio. There are paintings on the wall and paintbrushes in his hand. His pose is relaxed and confident. Though he's inside, he's wearing sunglasses. Why do you think he chose to paint himself this way? Other (NOT self-portraits) by Cannon:

  Joseph Ducreux, Self-portrait in the Guise of a Mockingbird , 1791 CONTEXT CLUES: Ducreux specialized in portraits, but he is perhaps best remembered today for his strikingly modern self-portraits, which depict him in exaggerated, mime-like postures not at all common in either portraits or self-portraits at the time. Because they were so unusual, not everyone was a fan of his artwork at the time - however many have been turned into modern internet memes. Other self-portraits by Decreux: Internet memes made from Decreux paintings: "pics or it didn't happen" "don't hate the player, hate the game" "but you didn't have to cut me off"

  Zinaida Serebriakova, Self-portrait at the Dressing Table, 1909 CONTEXT CLUES: Serebriakova's most famous self-portrait was painted while she was snowed in at her family home and models from a nearby village were unable to travel there. Her dresser is littered with a variety of objects including perfume, jewelry, candles, and hairpins. What do you think this scene says about Sereabriakova and how she wanted to be seen? Other self-portraits by Serebriakova:

   Elaine de Kooning, Self-Portrait , 1946 CONTEXT CLUES: Clad in trousers, a turtleneck, and a smock, the artist appears to be seated in her studio, working in a sketchbook. In this painting, as well as in her other self-portraits, Kooning is looking at the viewer directly. What do you think Kooning was trying to say with her pose? Is she upset about being interrupted at work, or is she inviting you in to visit her studio? Other self-portraits by Kooning: