Maryann Martin “The Art of the Selfie” photography, 25” W x 32”H – $400.00

In 2013 the Oxford Dictionary declared the word “Selfie” the word of the year. Yet artists have been taking ‘selfies’ for hundreds of years… In today’s digital age we artists substitute pixels for paint – the self-portrait with a modern twist. Yet we are all still trying to get to the heart of the question. How do I see myself? How do I want to be seen? I’ve always been intrigued by the self-portrait… from the broody scowl of Rembrandt to the pained and haunted Van Gogh…who were they? What were they trying to tell us about themselves? Once on a college class trip to Soho I entered a gallery displaying photographs by
Cindy Sherman…it was a revelation. Instead of trying to convey who she was, she was showing who she wanted to be, who she could be – which was anyone and anything! Needless to say, it made quite the impression on me. In that spirit – this series of photos was taken by me between March 2013 to January 2024 using an iPhone 4S, 6Plus, X, Samsung point and shoot and a Cannon DSLR. Who am I? How do I see myself? How do you see me? How do I want to be seen? A Punk Rocker, a Pirate, Lucy the comedic Housewife, a Renaissance Lady, Russian Spy, The Walking Dead, Magenta the Maid, a Wild West Gunslinger, Flower Child, The Blonde Bombshell? I am all and I am none. I am me and we are one.
My cell phone is my canvas. My selfies are my art. Multi faced and Multifaceted.