Broadcast Yourself!

Michael Wesch's talk delivered at the Library of Congress in 2008, in short, covered the anthropological changes in communication and human relationships resulting from the new forms of creation, collaboration, and distribution, owing to the user-generated content and input, on such websites as Youtube. I think it is an incredibly informative and thoughtful piece of presented research, and in particular relevance and interest to my work, is the study of webcam performances.

Within the first few minutes of this 55 min presentation, is an example of the potential power of Youtube and the Internet to make content go viral – and that is of course the 'Numa Numa Dance' by Gary Brolsma. Wonderfully described as single-handedly justifying the existence of webcams, Brolsma's recorded and shared performance, marks the beginning of global video sharing, responding, and re-mixing (over 58,000 tributes have appeared to Brolsma's original video).

The topic to really mention though, is Wesch's discussion on the experience of an individual communicating with a webcam, and the notion of context collapse (you can't judge the context of what you're presenting if you have no idea when and who by, it will be viewed) – "as if everybody is watching, but nobody is there" – an experience which is very private (often made in a bedroom) and also  very public – with the potential to be seen by the whole world. And on top of this is then the likelihood that you will watch back what you present, and this then results in a 'hyper self-awareness'. Watch this on Wesch's video above for a better explanation: a good bit from 21.26, but definitely watch 24.55 to 28.05.

Insofar as the videos that I intend to produce under the online persona of Gorgeous George, Wesch's research gives me encouragement, as it champions the user generated and home-made content, and shows that there is potential, however difficult, to acquire a select or even mass audience. But also the matter of self-awareness found through webcam use, is fitting to my proposed aims to explore the varying versions of public and private self. How will my presented Gorgeous Georgeo character alter over the course of producing and re-viewing a video blog?

Progression of Pixel Portrait

The pixel-painted self-portrait is a long term project, making slow but steady progression towards equalling a photographic image in its appearance and pixel construction. A detailed explanation can be found on the proposal, and the first two pieces in the series can also be seen there. The next two are below.

Pixel-Painted Self-Portrait #3 

Pixel-Painted Self-Portrait #4

The time scale of the project has brought up a few issues, I've had a haircut, and my skin has got slightly darker as summer approaches. The way around this is, rather than attempt to match what I see in the mirror in each session, it would be better to use the reflection as a starting guide but at later stages work the pixels already there into a more realistic appearance. 

The fourth portrait was a big step in closing in on an accurate facial shape – the jawline was thinned, eyes slightly enlarged, and nose lengthened. It was at this point that I had the first notion (faint as it was) of the portrait taking on my character – for a brief moment the canvas was alike to a mirror. This gives me the encouragement to press on. 

Richard Brilliant discusses the captivation of viewing a portrait as an oscillating experience: identifying and relating to the subject - feeling their presence; whilst also accepting their absence - replaced by a subjective image with a degree of likeness. If at some point a viewer (who knows me by sight) can feel that they recognise me or my character on the canvas, perhaps even feel that they are looking at the real me, whilst still being aware of the images 'painted' creation – then that would be a very intriguing experience to incite in an audience. It's a long way off, but it would mark this project as something of a success. 

Symposium Playback

Self-Portrait, Self-Mockery, The Mirror. Here is the audio track for those of you that didn't make it to the symposium.

Self-Portrait, Self-Mockery, The Mirror.

Post-Symposium Thoughts

Below is my evaluation following our research symposium on Friday. (My work leading up to this can be found under the 'Photography in Context' label.)

Delivering the talk - Photo by Craig Leaper

I feel that my presentation went well, and equally I think the symposium was an overall success – I certainly enjoyed both. Although the idea of delivering a presentation was immensely nerve-wracking and the relief felt afterwards was substantial, it does feel something of a shame now that it’s over. I am looking forward to having a digital version, which can be dispersed online to a potentially larger audience. I feel I have a reasonably strong ability at public speaking and providing an engaging talk, so when coupled with the slides, this online presentation could hopefully prove appealing.

I based several elements of my presentation on the lectures of Dr Sally Miller, of the University of Brighton. Aesthetically, I kept the slides clean and simple using a white background, black text, a comfortable font, and straightforward arrangement of content, so that the audience would not be distracted. I also took inspiration from her lectures regarding the structure of the talk: firstly a theoretical introduction highlighting the wider points of the topic and bringing them together to construct an argument; secondly a progression evidencing practitioners’ work to demonstrate that argument; and finally – concluding on a specific thematic point, which related back to the exampled work, and therefore provided an argument in a manner which could be readily absorbed by the audience. It was this aspect of Sally Miller’s lectures – being in depth but also easily understood – which I wished to emulate. Asking some of the listeners afterwards, it seems that this was achieved.

For me, there is a lot of importance placed on the verbal delivery of a presentation because it has a significant effect on keeping the attention of the audience. When producing the final text, I found it easiest to write as I would speak, so quite often not in proper or formal sentences and frequently using colloquialisms. Under the advice of Ed Dimsdale, I practised the talk about four times – not too much (so as to keep it sounding fresh) but enough to become familiar with it and remember parts so that I could break from my script and look at the audience. I very much believe that a talk should be spoken and not read.  

If any area of the symposium could have been improved, then I think it would have been the question sessions. This was something that I think everyone suffered from, and was probably due to an audience that was small, possibly nervous, and likely fatigued after an hour of listening. I had prepared and hoped for questions regarding the gender of self-mocking practitioners, or possibly on the ranging variations between performance and autobiography within self-portraiture. Having said that, I was quite pleased that a dialogue began around the elements of my practice which were related to this research, and furthermore how I could develop and present my own work. On reflection, this connection between my research and what I’m hoping to produce, has probably been one of the most beneficial outcomes of the module. I now have a solid contextual grounding which informs my own progressing work, and I also have a presentable piece of supporting research (and further background knowledge) which can assist the manner in which I convey my practice.

It is now clear in light of the above, that I have achieved that which I set out to: an investigation which informs and is informed by my practical work. I have learnt that to conduct such a study is hugely valuable to an emerging practitioner. Looking back to the proposal, the investigation became more specific with the theme of self-mockery taking precedent. This I think made the enquiry a more original piece. I have gained confidence in both undertaking and presenting research, a task which I would be happy to tackle again. 

Two Purveyors of Eccentricity

A late edition to my presentation, among other small adjustments, following the feedback from last Friday's rehearsal, is the dancing sculpture work of Gilbert and George.

Throughout the research, artists that approach with an autobiographical perspective have been of greatest relevance. It has been especially interesting when the trait of self-mockery appears not only in the photographs or video they produce, but also in their presentation as practitioners – a trait ingrained in their personality. Gilbert and George's personality, or rather their joint persona (along with their humorous and ridiculing exhibition of it), is at the forefront of their 'singing and living sculptures' work, in particular their video piece Bend It.

Their recent appearance on This Week, discussing eccentricity and weirdness (it also features extracts from Bend It) can be found here.

Gilbert and George Bend It (still)

The Proposal

Below is the proposal I recently submitted for the Photographic Practice module. It's rather long for a blog post - the first part explains the theoretical approach and reasoning, the second half goes into detail of the practicalities of producing the work. If you want to know simply what I will be doing, and see sample images of those intended projects, then scroll down to the 'Plan/Schedule' heading.


Name

‘Gorgeous’ George Rippon

Title

Me, My Reflection and Him

or

The Self-indulgence of Gorgeous George

Description of subject to be investigated

I am interested in the persona that we present in order to display our desired qualities. Our relationship with our reflections and the images of ourselves that we experience, are significant in the conscious creation and adjustment of this public self. I’m seeking to examine the response of the individual to their awareness of their own absorption with their presented image. This response includes self-mockery, self-indulgence, narcissism and an admittance of a need for recognition. Moreover, I’m interested in the manner in which this performance is continued, and what relationship then ensues between the ‘reflective-private' and the ‘performed-public' selves.

Context

“I love acting. It is so much more real than life.” Oscar Wilde

Within the field of self-portraiture there has always been some kind of exploration into identity. Because we are aware of the capability of an image to depict (in the case of portraits) a person’s character, we are then conscious of the level of performance that manifests from the subject. Since in self-portraits the artist is both subject and creator, there is often an analysis and manipulation of the performance from both angles. When artists use self-portraiture to question the different versions of presented ‘self’, their approach is fundamentally relevant, due to the insight they hold of ultimate knowledge and access to the subject.  

The following practitioners form the context to this study because they are engaged in the variance that exists between a conscious performance and a natural behaviour. The works of Cindy Sherman and Yasumasa Morimura, are concerned largely with masquerade and elaborate performances; however, in consistently using themselves as the subject, there is an element of their own character underlying their play-acting. Alternatively, Nan Goldin’s The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, and the collaboration of Patrick Tsai and Madi Ju’s My Little Dead Dick, are both strongly autobiographical works, although a sense of performance (or the possibility of) to the camera can be inferred. Claude Cahun’s work has a strong case for illustrating the perpetual (and destined to fail) efforts of artists to discover their true self behind recognised personas: “Under the mask is another mask, I will never finish lifting all these faces.” (1930, cited in Bright, 2010). Anita Khemka obfuscates what is staged and what is spontaneous by taking her self-portraits in public places, allowing the environment and people around her to contribute to the result. Bas Jan Ader appears to give the rawest insight into his personality in I’m Too Sad to Tell You, and yet by using photography and video to document his expression, still leaves the viewer questioning to what extent his behaviour is genuine or performed.

The following issues are also relevant: the philosophical debate of the notion of ‘self’ – suggested to be an entity that merely perceives (Hume); the psychological arguments concerning the ego and alter ego (Freud) and the ego, other, Other, and subject (Lacan); the anthropological discussion around the use of webcams and Youtube for self-performance (Wesch).

My standpoint on this investigation is an inquisitive one, attempting to unravel and perhaps ameliorate a complex I have with my continual introspection: I’m always thinking about myself and wondering why.

Plan/Schedule of work

1.      1. A set of self-portraits using a two-way mirror, so I look at and interact with my reflection rather than a lens, but line up the eyesight to give the impression of a straight portrait, aiming for high clarity and minimum background detail (similar lighting and composition to Emma Sailah’s  Mirror Mirror). I will then re-enact the extreme facial performances as done to the bathroom mirror - to investigate: my altering of presentation; relationship between inner (thought) and outer (visible) selves; attempting humour; challenging attractive appearance.

‘Hannah’ and ‘Minh Ai’ from Mirror Mirror by Emma Sailah. 

Test images using normal mirror with a hole in its centre for the lens. One diffused light above camera. Poor focus is an error, background will have no detail, composition is suitable, lighting needs to improve. Images ©George Rippon. All Rights Reserved.

2. A similar process to above, with others in front of the mirror – where I photograph them attempting to copy my extravagant facial contortions, as a means of continuing the humour, and exploring the universality of the face (relevant to physiognomy). Perhaps also ask them to photograph themselves, to make their own self-portraits, with cable release or remote – to see how they respond given the opportunity to present a desired look.

3.      3. As a continuation of my Self Videos, produce a regularly updated diary of webcam performances - displaying a general indulgence of trivial aspects of my personality, experiences, thoughts etc – investigating further the desire to be celebrity/revered/known through attempted humour.

Self Videos (still)

Forehead Letters (still)

4.      4. A self-portrait of pixels (I can't paint) – using a mirror, and Adobe Photoshop – ‘painting’ with various colours, various brush sizes, producing several pieces – forming an overall progression, striving towards a realistic portrait (eventually looking like a photograph). Inspired by the Johannes Gumpp painting of himself in the act of painting a self-portrait (likewise Norman Rockwell’s Triple Self-portrait), I plan to investigate in what manner and with what adjustments I will reproduce my image.

Self-Portrait with Mirror and Canvas by Johannes Gumpp

Pixel-Painted Self-Portrait #1 and #2

Making of Pixel-Painted Self-Portrait 

5.      5. I’m a ... (artist) - a series of videos in which I attempt to prove my creative multi-talents (musician, actor, painter, etc.), but which ultimately highlight myself as a failure and fool, wanting appreciation – inspired in part by Bjorn Veno’s promotional videos for PXSnatch.

6.      6. A video piece based on my Body (own) collage where each image is moving rather than still. However the movement will be very subtle, aiming to give the impression of a still image on first glance, and then following with the realisation that the body is moving/breathing/alive. Similar motive to the original piece – to present own body in unflattering manner – but with heightened representation.

Body (own) 

Body (own) (still)

Audience

·      Fine art/gallery community – aiming to attract attention at exhibition in London held during a week where photography is highly popular in the area due to degree shows. This to be at a gallery (The Rag Factory) which is establishing itself as a popular venue at the time of these events. The intention is to involve other established practitioners, to elevate the exhibition above a student degree show and encourage a larger footfall, and also the potential to make connections with curators/gallerists etc. There is the chance of the exhibition being reviewed owing to the supporting factors above, which will further enhance the publicity. Additionally, there has been a recent growth of interest in contemporary self-portrait photography with the publication of Susan Bright’s book Auto Focus.

·      Online – a personal blog, George Rippon Photography which is updated regularly with latest work, ideas and research; combined with a Twitter account as a means of spreading the work to a remote audience (aiming to increase interested following, particularly those based in London in lead-up to the exhibition). Utilising social media to present and build up a recognised brand name – YouTube channel, Twitter account, and a video blog, all as ‘GorgeousGeorgeo’.

·      YouTube viewers – humour is popular, short videos, a homemade aesthetic is well accepted. There is a potential to go viral, although this seems to be down to chance and is very much a snowball effect. If popularity is found on YouTube, then considering the nature of the project and its delivery, an interest could follow from the fine art community.

·      Academic – as the project is based on the reflection of photographic imagery in self-portraiture, its content may be relevant in the study of photography theory/behaviour. There is also a relevance to research in the fields of philosophy, psychology, anthropology and other areas in which the notion of ‘self’ is questioned.

Anticipated method of presentation

Gallery:

·      Two-way mirror project (1.) – large prints of oversize face, to give impression of “Ah it’s a big face!” – so as to show off their absurdity, and impress/oppress my image upon others.

·      Potentially include a two-way mirror as a means of involving the viewer. Place a large rear-projected print behind a two-way mirror, with the projection light triggered by motion (similar to a burglar light) so an apparent mirror turns into a picture as viewers pass.

·      And/or a video camera concealed behind a two-way mirror, with the footage output delayed and shown to the side - so people can play to/with their reflection and then view it moments after.

·      Video projection – of selected ‘self-videos’ (3. & 5.).

·      Medium prints (40x40cm) making a progression piece of pixel-painted self-portrait (4.).

·      May have smaller prints of mirror portraits of others (2.).

Online:

·      Blog of videos (like diary updates) and a YouTube channel – refer to Ask A Ninja/What I Wore Today – comical, intending to have the potential to develop a mass following.

·      Simple web gallery of mirror portraits (one for self-portraits, one for others) (1. & 2.)

·      An interactive view of the pixel-painted portrait, with a slider so it can be quickly seen how the portrait developed. See Girlpower –Retouch  

Budget/Resources required.

·      Two-way mirror – £44.48

·      Wood and construction materials for mirror stand – £40 - £50

·      Construction tools and assistance – provided.

·      Loan of Hasselblad H3DII with 50mm lens from Calumet for 2 days – £530*

·      Prints for ‘Two-way mirror’ project:

Option 1 – 3x 110x110cm prints on fibre based paper, mounted on 5mm Foamboard (from The Print Bureau, Coventry) at £69.58 ea = £208.74.

Option 2 – 3x 101x101cm Giclee prints, mounted on DiBond with battens, and acrylic seal, incl. delivery (from The Printspace, London) at £326.54 ea = £979.62*

·      Prints for ‘Pixel painted self-portrait’ project:

Option 1 – 6x 40x40cm prints on resin coated paper, mounted and laminated on 3mm Foamboard (Print Bureau) at £8 ea = £48

Option 2 – 10x 40x40cm C-type matt prints, mounted on 3mm Foamex with acrylic seal, incl. delivery (Printspace) at £63.68 ea = £636.80*

·      Blog space and YouTube channel – free.

·      Web domain and hosting – already owned.

·      Projection equipment with audio – provided.

·      DSLR camera, studio space, lighting equpiment – provided.

·      Video camera and editing software – provided.

·      Normal mirror, Adobe Photoshop software, Apple iMac desktop computer incl. webcam – already owned.

* indicates a non-essential but ‘ideal’ expense.

Total minimum (essential) budget: £341.22

Total maximum (ideal) budget: £2,240.90

Some additional images relating to the 'context' section of the proposal:

Self-Portrait on the Rocks, Levanzo, Sicily by Nan Goldin

Claude Cahun and Marcel Moore by Claude Cahun

Travelling by train from Bangalore to Mumbai by Anita Khemka

I’m too Sad to Tell You by Bas Jan Ader

Self-Mockery within Male/Female Self-Portraiture

Although it was never a planned enquiry of my investigation, an interesting issue of gender has arisen in my research. Without intention, all of the photographers/artists that I have chosen as suitable examples for my argument, are male. It seems that self-mockery within self-portraiture is a behaviour or endeavour more suited to men. I can see this relating to the fact that men seem to be dominant in the profession of stand-up comedy, and many comedians display self-mockery, or if not that, then a readiness not to take oneself seriously.

Women's self-portraiture tends to relate to more serious issues, notably often femininity or female identity. It seems to me that the female gender is the one more loaded with potential for reflection on its role and reception as a gender in society, simply because of its historical cultural background. When humour is used it tends to be more outwardly than inwardly critical – think Sarah Lucas, Tracy Emin or Julie Pochron. The male self-portraitist however, seems to have greater ease at traversing into a self-mocking stance. 

The two examples of women using self-mockery I came across are the films of video artist Shannon Plumb, and Anna Fox's series Super Snacks. However Plumb's work doesn't seem particularly inward looking or in anyway autobiographical, and Fox's work comes across as rather despairing humour. 

Shannon Plumb - The Corner (still)

I think, without intending it, the type of self-mockery which I have come to understand and question originates from the male reflection on his own inabilities or shortcomings. Naturally that is the self-mockery which I can relate to.

Taking this male reflection further, Bjorn Veno's blog is an excellent exploration into man's place today, and also this post 'The good men are not needed' by Danny Ledonne.

Self-Mockery from Sociology

I've managed to find a journal article that is specific to self-mockery, and which has provided me with a much needed theoretical resource to support my concluding points. Self-Mockery: An Alternative Form of Self Presentation is written by the sociologist Sheldon Ungar, and was published in 1984. I located the article in the 'Academic Search Complete' database and had to request if with 'document supply', and eventually had it provided by the British Library. Although the article may be dated, the points Ungar raises are still very relevant today and the following are particularly useful to my angle of enquiry:

"By revealing undesirable qualities, one can attenuate the feelings of envy and resentment that often accompany impressive images; such revelations can also decrease social distance among interactants."

"By calling attention to their own foibles, performers not only disarm others, but also affirm standards or rules in a fashion that is likely to augment positive sentiments among the participants. (Admissions of one's inadequacies can be infectious: other participants may be then likely to recount their own related foibles.)"   

"..brief ventures into the unserious realm allow the performer to reveal aspects of the self that would otherwise be out-of-place. Furthermore, one can reveal weaknesses or faults and, by viewing them in a humorous vein, still retain one’s dignity and status." 

The above quotations back-up notions which I had suspected were occurring – the idea that self-mockery is a social tool used by an individual to create positive feeling to those he presents himself to. Also, although originating from self-criticism, self mockery allows one to bring their flaws to the fore in a favourable manner. And then it can be seen to result back to a self-centred behaviour – used to gain social ground – which brings up the idea of a perpetual oscillation between self-mockery and narcissism. This 'see-saw' is very much at evidence in my practice, and although I see no solution to it yet, perhaps I can conclude this talk with my hopes to unravel it.