From Tracey Emin’s bed to Anthea Hamilton’s gigantic pair of buttocks, the world of modern art never ceases to amaze us, and nor should Saatchi Gallery’s announcement of their latest exhibition devoted entirely to the humble selfie. Opening in March, From Selfie to Self-Expression will explore the importance of the selfie as an art form.
Though the terminology is relatively new – ‘Selfie’ was Oxford English Dictionaries word of 2013 – self-portraits have long been a form of expression for painters and artists, making this one of the few opportunities to see a Rembrandt alongside a Kim Kardashian original.
Nigel Hurst, chief executive officer at the Chelsea gallery, said the exhibition will present a ‘compelling insight into the history and creative potential’ of the ubiquitous snap. “In many ways, the selfie represents the epitome of contemporary culture’s transition into a highly digitalised and technologically advanced age as mobile phone technology has caught up with the camera.”
Members of the public will also be invited to submit their own photos for inclusion in the exhibition as part of the #SaatchieSelfie competition, the winner of which will receive a Huawei phone.
From Selfie to Self-Expression runs 31 March-30 May and the competition runs 23 January-19 March
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Instagram images: Kim Kardashian and Tim Peake/NASA
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