Id – The Object of Self at Darkroom Gallery
Deadline: Midnight EST August 22nd 2012
Juror: You and Cig Harvey
http://www.darkroomgallery.com/ex33
The self-portrait: Is it your compulsion? Your obsession? An impulse? Was it out of necessity (the mandatory Photo 101 exercise, a portrait for the office newsletter, or because you needed to self-promote)? Is it the autobiographical record you decided was best told in image?
Sometimes we have to step in front of the lens – we can’t seem to communicate what we want to others, or maybe we’re just the most convenient choice for a model (the least expensive, for sure). Even if we got there by default, there is no one better able to translate our vision to the camera than ourselves. Perhaps you were experimenting with persona or striving for a personal perfection? Were you desperately seeking Self? For those willing to dig deep and bare all, the self-portrait is a reward for your bravery – because whether you love it or hide it in the depths of your archives for decades, you’ve learned from it. Whatever your intention, there is nothing closer to an authentic portrait, than to sit both behind and in front of the lens. And whether for totally narcissistic or completely humble intents – you have to admit, it’s you.
Juror: You and Cig Harvey
We’re trying something new with this exhibition. It’s submitter juried (OK, well Cig will choose a Juror’s Choice and honorable mentions, but otherwise, it’s all YOU!) Each of you who submits your self-portraits will be able to vote for up to four images (including one of yours if you’re that confident!). No anxiety here…images will be anonymous, labeled with titles and medium only if provided by their authors. You will not know who you are voting for, and your peers will not know who you voted for. Only those who make a submission will have access to vote. Though you are not required to vote, by submitting your images, you give the other submitters the right to view (and vote for) your images. The 50 to 60 images that get the most votes will be showcased in our gallery and online. In case of a tie at our quantity threshold, your Juror will make a final decision. In addition, that same Juror, Cig Harvey, has the tough but exciting choice of designating her Juror’s choice and honorable mentions from your picks only.
Cig Harvey exhibits internationally, teaches internationally, and photographs everywhere in between. She balances her always imperative personal imaging pursuits with a large number of commercial clients. She is published widely, has won numerous awards, and retains a reputation as an instructor/mentor that leaves waiting lists worldwide. Visit her work, words, and CV at www.cigharvey.com.