TASK 2: SELF-PORTRAIT

3/10/2023- 3/11/2023 (Week 6 - Week 10)
Ang Siu Boon (0345135)
Design Principles (Bachelor's Degree (Hons) in Computer Science)
Self-Portrait

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CONTENTS

1. Instructions
2. Recap 
3. Design Process
4. Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

RECAP 

A self-portrait is a piece of art that the artist makes as a depiction of themselves, generally in the form of a painting, drawing, photograph, or other visual media. A self-portrait is a piece of art in which the artist, who is also the subject, represents their own image, characteristics, or feelings. Since ancient times, self-portraits have been a popular theme in the visual arts and have allowed artists to examine their own identities, creative abilities, and modes of expression.

Figure 1.0 Self-Portrait Mind map

I had three idea in mind when choosing a theme for my mind-map. Since we were to implement the knowledge we learned from Task 1 into our Self-Portrait, I came out a few Ideas.

CONTRAST

- Create a self-portrait style using sketching/water paint style in black white or a monochrome color

EMPHASIS

- Emphasis on a certain object/activity/items

- Hair ; Emphasis the new color/style of my new haircut/dye

 Music ; Emphasis certain meaning/lyrics/verse of the music

 Hobby ; Could be a dance move, A skill in a hobby,

 Game ; A certain game character, Me playing, Feelings when playing.

BALANCE

- I would like to employ the quote 'How others see me' in this design principle

- Left side portraying how others see me

- Right side portraying how I actually am

After showing my mind map to Dr. Yip, she gave me some insights. Firstly, it is not necessary to do different design principles, it is okay to have multiple design principles in one portrait. This gave me more options and ideas. Hence, I started working out on my Self-Portrait

Figure 1.1 Portrait photo from phone 1 

Figure 1.2 Portrait photo from phone 2 

Figure 1.3 Portrait photo from phone 3 

Figure 1.4 Photo obtained from a shooting 

When someone talks about portrait, The immediate thing that pop in my head is the portrait mode in the iPhone. I took few photos using the mode and exported it into my computer. Recently, I did some shooting and decided to use a picture that I retrieved, which was taken from a good DSLR camera. The other idea that came to mind when I think about Self-Portrait is those creative Instagram Stories which I would like to implement in mine.

REFERENCE

Figure 1.5 Creative Instagram Post Stories

Figure 1.6 Gameplay of Pokémon Red Game

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DESIGN PROCESS

When starting, I tried tracing myself by referencing a monochrome palette theme that I took from a Pokémon Game. I did a rough drawing by lowering the opacity of the original photo and draw above it.

Figure 2.0 Tracing original photo

Figure 2.1 Traced image with original photo

Unfortunately, I felt that the color was kind of underwhelming and not striking enough. Hence, I changed the color theme to a more brighter palette. Instead of Instagram stories, I went old-school and referenced some poster and I came upon the cowboy wanted poster. I then used the color theme as my design.

Figure 2.2 Wanted Poster from Google

Figure 2.3 Replacing colors

Figure 2.4 Adding some elements/detail 

Figure 2.5 Adding some background

Figure 2.6 After adding effects/elements

Figure 2.7 Adding photo frame

Figure 2.8 Combining Drawn PoRtrait with Original Photo

Figure 2.9 Wanted Stamp obtained Online

Figure 2.10 Adding Stamp Draft 1 

Figure 2.11 Adding Stamp Draft 2

Figure 2.12 Adding Stamp Draft 3

After the first round of inspection from Dr. Yip, she gave me several feedback for my self-portrait. Firstly, she mentioned that I should change the polaroid film to black instead of white as it is hard to see. After trying, I felt that it didn't sit well with the overall picture. Hence, I added a shadow in the background instead. Next, the word 'WANTED' was obstructing the overall visual. She advised me to remove it, relocated or maybe revamp the entire thing.

Figure 2.13 Adding Shadow to Background

Figure 2.14 Revamped Wanted Stamp

Figure 2.15 Adding Revamped 'WANTED' sign

Figure 2.16 Giving more contrast to background

After being reviewed once again by Dr. Yip, she advised me to keep this artwork as it is already good. However, just one final part is to adjust the color of the 'WANTED' Stamp. She proposed Blue and Black, but I also suggested should I try green. I then tried the colors to find the most suitable one.

Figure 2.17 Different stamp color variation

In my opinion, the green that I suggested looks much more suitable than the blue Dr. Yip proposed. However, the meaning or message I wanted to convey with the word 'WANTED' has 2 meaning which could either be negative or positive. The color green screams out a strong presence of positivity. Hence, I concluded with the color black, not only that, it also sits well with the color of the barricade tape as my artwork has a similar color theme of black and yellow.

Lastly, was the decision for the title of my Self- Portrait. There were so many ideas in my mind that I could not decide. These are the examples that I had in mind.

1. "Perception vs. Reality"
2. "Hidden in Plain Sight"
3. "Dual Perspectives"
4. "WANTED: A Duality of Desires"
5. "Two Faces, One Canvas"
6. "Beyond the Surface"
7. "Exposing the Unseen"
8. "Visions of the Unseen"
9. "Capturing the Duality"
10. "The Polaroid Paradox"
11. "A Portrait of Deception and Truth"
12. "Persona in Contrast"
13. "The Facets of Me"
14. "Two Sides of the Canvas"
15. "Hidden Desires, Exposed Realities"

After some considerations, I have finally decided on my title.

FINAL

 

Duality: Deception and Truth

Figure 2.18 Self Portrait Final

Rationale: In conclusion, the message I'd like to convey in my Self-Portrait is how others perceive me and how I actually am. The overall image shows a typical person, however the polaroid image shows the hidden me that others can not see. Second, the disparity in painting styles can be utilized to contrast the disparity between expectations and reality. Finally, the polaroid image can be used to emphasize the message that I want to convey to the audience. Also, I kept the phrase 'WANTED' because it has two distinct meanings, both positive and negative, and can mean two different things depending on the viewer's perspective. This could also elaborate on how others perceive me and the person I am. I may be perceived as a person who is wished for and loved by others, or I could be also perceived as a criminal or despised by others.

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REFLECTION

Creating a self-portrait to represent how others view you and how you actually are is a thoughtful and engaging artistic endeavour. Your rationalisation for your self-portrait selections is thoughtful and provides insight into your creative process.

The concept of presenting both apparent and hidden sides of yourself through a standard image and a polaroid image is appealing. It encourages viewers to consider the duality of human nature and the disparity between our public and private selves. This method might provoke introspection from the audience and lead them to consider their own dualities.

The employment of various painting styles to emphasise the gap between expectations and reality is a clever creative choice. The visual contrast between these styles can be a striking metaphor for the gaps that frequently exist between how others view us and our true selves. This method provides nuance to your portrayal of yourself.

The use of the phrase 'WANTED' is an intriguing touch because it creates an element of ambiguity. The conflicting interpretations, both positive and negative, force viewers to reconsider their own biases and previous assumptions. It's an ingenious technique of emphasising the subjectivity of perception and the reality that how we are perceived by others can vary greatly depending on their perspectives and experiences.

As indicated in your reflection, your self-portrait not only demonstrates your artistic abilities but also your capacity to convey complicated concepts and feelings through your work. You've clearly thought a lot about the message you want to portray, and this thorough approach can make your art more compelling and meaningful. It inspires viewers to think about their own opinions and judgements of others as they engage with your work on a deeper level. As a result, your self-portrait acts as a strong trigger for introspection and empathy.