Self Portrait Narrative

This self-portrait reveals much more than what you may expect at first glance. When I look at this photo, I am reminded of my trip to Florida for a family spring break vacation. My freckles, tan skin (compared to my usual skin tone), and swim suit are a dead giveaway for this. I made sure that my hair was pulled back to the left so that my freshly pierced ear would be in sight. This photo captured my transition from being a child to a teenager, and stood as a very important day in my life thus far.

Narrative Self-Portraiture

No Contact with Viewer: Looking Away

No Contact with Viewer:

This is an example of an image that does not have the ability to make contact with the viewer. First of all, we are not able to see the face of either individuals. This doesn't allow us to see any expression, emotion, or potential state of being that they are in. Viewers don't feel connected in any way, shape, or form. The woman in the front of the photograph is paying attention to the man walking away. This puts distance between the viewer and both individuals in the picture. We have no way of identifying anyone in the picture because they are not able to make a connection with the viewer.

Paragas, Daphne (2013). A Place Called Home. Retrieved from URL http://daphneparagas.wordpress.com/.

Contact with Viewer: Homeless Woman

Contact with Viewer:

This is an example of an image that has the ability to make contact with the viewer. Not only is she looking directly at you, but you're able to empathize with her. The depth of her wrinkles, the darkness in her eyes, and emotions of sadness clinging to her speak volumes. This photograph is one small glimpse into her everyday life and has been captured in one shot.







Jefferies, Lee (2008). City Pictures. [Photograph]. Retrieved from  http://kartinca.ru/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/%D0%9F%D0%BE%D1%80%D1%82%D1%80%D0%B5%D1%82%D0%BD%D0%B0%D1%8F-

Likeness Explanations

True Likeness:

This photograph represents a true likeness because the external features are a similar match to the physical features of Obama in reality. Not only are the features in the photo life-like, but they allow viewers to look at the photo and see an individual with a recognizable face. There are no abnormal looking physical features that are out of proportion or are inaccurate. Together, the facial features in this photo reflect that of a true representation to Barack Obama. As an outside viewer, we can recognize the person in the photograph as accurate and realistic portrayal and “true likeness” of Obama.

Not a True Likeness:

This photograph does not represent a true likeness of Barack Obama for a plethora of reasons. First of all, his external physical features are not realistic by any means. The color of his skin for example is pink and green when it should be the colors that represent the skin tone of an African American individual. The abstract shapes and outline of his face also speaks for itself in saying that no human looks like that. Even the proportions and overall shape of his face are inaccurate and do resemble the features of Barack Obama. When looking closely at this photo, the viewer may even see this photo as straying away from human characteristics. A photo is supposed to be a duplicate of someone, however this photo is inaccurate. The details of this photo also do not portray an accurate representation of Obama in real life. 

Barack Obama and a True Likeness

"True Likeness"

Obama to Extend His Powers to Launch 'Premtive' Cyber Attacks. (2013, February 6). In The Daily Sheeple . Retrieved September 13 2013, from http://www.thedailysheeple.com/obama-to-extend-his-powers-to-launch-preemptive-cyber-attacks_022013/barak-obama-united-states-politics

Barack Obama and Not a True Likeness

"Not A True Likeness"

Picasso Celebrities . (2013, September). In Freaking News . Retrieved September 13, 2013, from http://www.freakingnews.com/Picasso-Celebrities-Pictures----3095-4.asp

What is a Portrait?

Portrait can be defined in a plethora of ways simply because there is no cookie cutter way to describe it. Through my eyes, I see this form of art as something that embodies both the body and the soul. With this, the status or personality of the person is represented and on display for audiences.  In some situations, a nearby object may become the focus rather than the model striking the pose. This helps us take into account the relationship between the artist and the model. Portraits have the potential to reveal both emotions and social status of an individual or group of individuals, and can take on numerous interpretations. 

Without either the artist or the model, a portrait wouldn't exist. Their relationship in addition to that would make it hard for audiences to form any opinions or assumptions around the art. When looking at a portrait, it's also important to take into account not only the physical presence of the art, but the personality and soul that lies underneath. Understanding this brings us one step closer to figuring out what makes something a portrait. As previously mentioned, any emotion or rationale conclusion that can be taken out of something, can be viewed as art. This form of art can be depicted as a portrait, because it reveals such emotion or status of someone or something. 

Introduction Post

Hello everyone! My name is Meg Thompson and I am a senior here at MSU. My major is Elementary Education with a focus in Language Arts and Urban Education and a minor in TESOL.