Self as Narcissus
2005, c-print
http://www.connercontemporary.com/artists/julee-holcombe/?view=images
Subject Matter: Photographer looking at reflection while holding a computer mouse, as replicating the scene from the painting Narcissus by Caravaggio.
Form:
1.Sharpness
2.relation of elements within the frame
3.balance
4.positive/negative space
5.focus
Interpretation
Self as Narcissus' meaning has to do with the digital age's obsession with the perfection of the female body through editing. In the photograph, Julee is editing her own body with a mouse. Narcissus is when one is solely focused on ones own looks.
A key importance is the role of the pixelated refection of Julee. She didn't keep herself sharp to show the that a photoshopped female body is not the true reflection of a model. The relation of the elements in the frame, goes nicely together. They take up a majority of the frame and cut the frame into two equal halves of different worlds. The top half is more of a realistic portrayal of a female,whereas the bottom half is the unrealistic portrayal of females in the digital world. This goes along with the balance in the image. She aligns herself up perfectly with the pixelated self. Is creates a proper reflection and balance to the separate worlds that are within this one image. The negative space around the artist is pitch black which goes along with the original paining but also the darkness helps draws you to the positive space which is the main focus. With her reflection being altered, it gives more focus onto the true her. This is to make people see that they should be more focused on their true self then on how they can alter themselves or look like altered women they see in magazines or on the internet. There is obsession with altering images now a days but I think Julee would have people looking at themselves then altered reflections.
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