A journey through artistic self representation | Salomé Corte-Real | TEDxYouth@NIA

Selfies and Self-Representation

• The speaker invites the audience to reflect on self-representation using photography.
• Selfies have become increasingly popular, with the term referring to self-taken images and "wefies" referring to group selfies.
• The evolution of selfies has changed communication and self-expression in the digital age.
• Selfies challenge traditional art and photography norms, blurring the lines between personal expression and artistic creation.

Notable Selfie Artists

• Vivian Maier, a nanny with a passion for photography, took self-portraits and captured everyday life in New York City from the 1950s to 1970s.
• Cindy Sherman, a contemporary artist, explores identity, gender, and women's roles through conceptual photographs using props and costumes.
• Lidda McBean, a fashion photographer active in the 1950s, is known for elegant and stylish fashion photographs featuring models in natural settings.

Historical Context of Self-Portraits

• The video discusses an ancient artist using a mirror for self-reflection in a forest studio, highlighting the evolution of self-portraits.
• In the past, blemishes and health issues were not depicted in paintings due to the absence of Photoshop, leading to the practice of painting over photos for beautification in the 1950s.
• Self-portraits serve as a means of self-expression and emotional portrayal, as seen in Frida Kahlo's works.

Identity and Self-Expression

• The way we see ourselves and pose can shape our identity, especially during teenage years.
• The artist's studio provides a space for creating emotional images, regardless of physical appearance.
• A photographer creates construction art using multiple images as a source of joy and inspiration during the COVID-19 pandemic.