Looking Out, Looking In Exploring the Self-Portrait

Cindy Sherman, United States b. 1954 / Untitled (detail) 2007–08 / Colour photograph mounted on aluminium / 158.6 x 177.8cm / Purchased 2011 with funds from Tim Fairfax AM through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Cindy Sherman / View full image
When
11 Mar – 6 Aug 2023
Where
Queensland Art Gallery & Gallery 4
Admission
Free
About
Contemporary society has become increasingly attuned to the self-image through social media’s 'selfie' culture and reality TV, providing a fascinating backdrop in which to examine the self-portrait today.
'Looking Out, Looking In' explores the genre of the self-portrait, a distinct form of portraiture in which subject and artist are one. The exhibition examines the human tendency to envisage oneself. While some of the artists look inwards and reflect on themselves in self-effacing ways, or may just be intrigued by their own image, others seek to project an image or identity in more flamboyant displays.
Nora Heysen, Australia 1911-2003 / Self portrait 1938 / Oil on canvas laid on board / 39.5 x 29.5cm / Purchased 2011 with funds from Philip Bacon, AM, through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Lou Klepac / View full image
Vincent Namatjira, Western Aranda people, Australia b.1983 / Albert and Vincent 2014 / Synthetic polymer paint on linen / 120 x 100cm / Gift of Dirk and Karen Zadra through the Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art Foundation 2014. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Vincent Namatjira/Copyright Agency / View full image
Luke Roberts, Australia b.1952 / At the Bar of the Pub with no Beer 2009 / Giclee print on paper ed. 1/5 / 120 x 180cm / The James C. Sourris, AM, Collection. Gift of James C. Sourris, AM, through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation 2011. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Luke Roberts / View full image
Cindy Sherman, United States b. 1954 / Untitled 2007–08 / Colour photograph mounted on aluminium / 158.6 x 177.8cm / Purchased 2011 with funds from Tim Fairfax AM through the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © Cindy Sherman / View full image

Melville Haysom, Australia 1900‑67 / Self portrait 1936 / Oil on canvas / 127.8 x 112.5cm / Purchased 1937 / Collection: Queensland Art Gallery | Gallery of Modern Art / © QAGOMA / View full image