Portraiture and Place

Abstract

This research paper charts the journey from an initial theoretical standpoint of viewing Portraiture and Place as two oppositional elements, to the conclusion of viewing them as enmeshed and indivisible. The paper argues that the boundaries of portraiture need to be expanded beyond depiction of the face and body to incorporate place. Furthermore, it proposes that this expanded portraiture may indeed be more eloquent in depicting the ‘self’ and the notion of being-in-the-world than the depiction of images of the body. Much of this argument is based on the relatively recent influence of the heterotopic technological landscape of the internet and virtual reality that is redefining notions of ‘self’ and ‘being’ in the world. The paper charts the evolution of my theoretical and studio work in a chronological fashion and contextualises my practice through an exploration of the philosophers J.E. Malpas, Martin Heidegger, Michel Foucault, the artist and theorist Victor Burgin and the artists Wendy McMurdo, Eadweard Muybridge, Gary Hill and Dan Graham. Three works were presented for examination: 'Hello' consists of two programmed animated lightboxes that simulate human presence through the medium of light. 'Here/There' is a series of photographic portraits depicting its sitter’s interacting with virtual place. 'Are You There' is an interactive installation consisting of a robotic mirror and a live video feed.