Contemporary self-portraiture

technical description

Surreal, experimental eye-piece made from printed acetate and brass. Repeated digitally-distorted and laser cut images of Ruby’s eye give the illusion of multiple eyes/ falling tears. Each eye is finished with a brass rivet. Delicate brass frame forged from wire and polished. Rivets are used to connect the acetate to the frame.

Size 240x55x179mm, 200 gr., 2022

concept

Reflecting on one’s own sense of self over the course of lockdown. The collection exhibits the impact of isolation on Ruby’s perception of identity. Historically, self-portraiture was created as a means of artistic self-expression, showing how we consider ourselves to appear to external viewers. Lockdown turned human interaction into taboo, leading Ruby to view herself as her own muse. Being the only accessible source of life inspiration, she began to document herself using modern self-photography technologies. Her eyes became a tool to question her sense of self-perception, their repetition and melted effect symbolises endless personal points of view. Using the transparent quality of acetate allowed her to slightly expose the wearer’s eyes, an integral part of the concept to transfer her own perceptions onto others.

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