From the artisocratic portrayl of Durer to the camoflauge visage of Warhol, the timeless art of the self-portrait has been a popular form of expression for artists throughout history. Whether it's for reasons of having a willing and available model, a chance to publicize their skills, or the desire to explore some inner turmoil, an artist's self portrait always reveals something profound about its creator. Through these painted images, an artist can uncover personal thoughts and feelings while simultaneously allowing the viewer to witness the changing face of him or herself. On May 4th, Katherine Cone Gallery unveiled a selection of self-portraits unified under the banner 'Selfish'. Curated by realism master Sean Cheetham, 'Selfish' features twenty of the most intriguing contemporary artists working in the medium of panting and provides insight into their individual self perception. Natalia Fabia's 'Pearhead' gives us a glimpse into her punk rock lifestyle with a plethora of tattoos, pink hair, and flamboyant dress. However it's the title of her work along with the artist's headdress that is most revealing, as it pays homage to her baby girl "Pear" and signifies the love and devotion to her new role as mother. Known for being some what coy when it comes to revealing his identity to the public, street artist El Mac's mysterious close-up discloses just enough information for the viewer, but not ample detail for a police sketch. And with Ryan Cheetham's 'Dick in a Box', one can assume the artist was tormented with misgivings during the creative process. Perhaps with a recent break-up or maybe a relationship with a family member went south, but regardless of the source of pain, it's clear that he longs to release it.
Overall, 'Selfish' is a beautifully curated exhibit that highlights some incredible talent. The show runs until June 22nd, so be sure to stop by the gallery and learn a little bit more about these artists by reading between the brush-strokes.
