Francis Bacon's Self Portrait Transitioning from classical artists to contemporary artists was a nice change of pace and the abstract self portrait is unique because the facial features can be seen but they are twisted in some way. Bacon's self portrait is interesting because it can be interpreted in several different ways.
Chuck Close's Self Portrait Close's portrait is definitely interesting and unique in my opinion because of how he creates a self portrait through a pattern of repeated shapes with different colors. It reminds me of an oil painting almost.
Lucian Freud's Self Portrait Freud's self portrait is also interesting because it contains aspects of classical portraits but the face is almost TOO defined and gives off an almost twisted and grotesque image.
Frida Kahlo's Self Portrait Kahlo's portrait is unique to me because the style isn't very realistic as earlier artists but the background is very detailed. I also like the use of animals in the portrait as it gives off some information about who Kahlo is as a person.
William Kentridge's Self Portrait I love that Kentridge's self portrait was created by using several pieces of already printed newspaper as a medium. The unique choice of medium and the size of the portrait are very impressive to me and the black and white/gray scale fit together nicely.
Kathe Kollwitz's Self Portrait I really like Kollwitz's self portrait because it's not a typical painting but just rather a simple drawing that is very simple and not that detailed.
Shirin Neshat's Self Portrait This self portrait is very interesting to me because it's a photo of the artist herself and is mixed media as the photo is edited. I like that the artist is trying to put emphasis on her intended message of the piece.
Adrian Piper's Self Portrait I like the self portrait because it's a more simple black and white drawing but the portrait isn't very unique and she is very plain looking.
Egon Schiele's Self Portrait Schiele's portrait is unique because not much of the drawing is detailed and the color added makes him appear almost crazy. The thin lines are also nice to me because they contrast nicely with the broad strokes that the hair consists of and the lines also add some sort of break in the white space.
Cindy Sherman's Self Portrait Cindy's portrait is very nice to me because it's a picture of her but aspects of her appearance are exaggerated. The portrait is very satirical and shows through Sherman's expressions and her appearance.
Kiki Smith's Self Portrait Smith's portrait is definitely the most unique of all of the artists because her style is so drastically different than the rest. I like how she makes two halves (profiles) into a singular face.
How do you create a narrative self portrait? In a multitude of ways, as long as it tells a story that is representative of some part of your being or how you see yourself.
What story do you want to tell? Something representative of my life, be it past or present.
How do contemporary self portraits differ from historical self portraits? Contemporary artists purposefully try to deviate away from classical works/artists in an effort to create something new and creative.
What types of techniques and media do contemporary artists use? Contemporary artists use any type of technique and media and try to be unconventional and fresh.
What constitutes a symbolic self portrait? I think something that is representative of a person's character like their interests or past events constitutes a symbolic self portrait.
Self portrait by Durer I find Durer's self portrait interesting because of the intricacy involved in making his long hair as realistic as it is. I also find the pose Durer is in unique because painting a self portrait of himself with his hands together must of been difficult.
Rembrandt's Self Portrait Rembrandt's self portrait struck me as a typical 17th century painting, embodying the influences of the Impressionist movement. The idea that the only part that is really defined and clear is his face is interesting to me as it makes me think that Rembrandt thought that a self portrait only really focuses on a person's face.
Judith Leyster's Self Portrait Leyster's self portrait is interesting to me as it actually shows Leyster painting a picture of someone. It's interesting to me because it can be seen as Leyster looking at her reflection in a mirror and painting what she sees and is also interesting because painting a self portrait of herself painting is a fairly creative/innovative idea.
Mary Cassatt's Self Portrait Cassatt's self portrait to me is another typical painting with classical influences. Like Durer's self portrait, the ability to paint herself while doing something other than painting must have proven difficult and shows Cassatt's skills as an artist.