Today was an intriguing day where I learnt that there are distinct differences between self-reflection, self-portraits and selfies. Most people would be more familiar with the latter (myself included), but further study has shown me that the more exciting and intuitive self-portraits and self-reflective art are greatly under appreciated. Their ability to adapt to different mediums and link to “the self” through direct or indirect links provide greater freedom for artistic, creative and outside-the-box ideas.
Bryan Lewis Saunders is an interesting performance artist whose work with self-portraits in his project “Under the Influence” has motivated me. Saunders, who hails from Washington D.C, is renowned as a videographer, poet and author. Found here his self-portrait gallery is an intriguing experiment that deals with perception, focusing however, on the alteration of perception by chemical means. A type of self-inflicted typology of identity which I think would be an interesting way to portray the self. *NB for my first project brief this gallery inspired my section of images YOU(TH) which explored the plurality of young life.
Saunders subjected himself over an ongoing period to various drugs, ranging from over-the-counter pharmaceuticals to concoctions of illegal narcotics. The aim of his work was to draw, sketch, paint or collage how he saw himself after taking each drug. I find it gives an in-depth view as to how drugs affect a persons reality and their perception of reality. It’s a very useful example that will shape my definitions of self-portraits and self-representation through media.
Bryan Lewis Saunders as seen by Bryan Lewis Saunders (On 4mg Risperdol)
Saunders Self-Portrait on Mushrooms
Saunders on Nitrous Oxide