Id, Ego, Superego: An Investigation of Self-Portraiture

About

This exhibition explores self-portraiture through Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory of personality, in order to gain a deeper insight into both the conscious and subconscious states of mind of some of the most celebrated artists from the 20th and 21st Century. By applying Freud’s theory, the show illustrates the extent and importance that the human psyche plays when artists tackle themselves as their subject matter. 

Historically, self-portraiture dates back centuries to ancient Mesopotamia and was typically used as a means of reference or for educational purposes. It was not until the Renaissance that self-portraiture became a tool for self-promotion and cultivation; illustrating an artist’s ability to capture likeness, as well as elevating or highlighting their own status. This shift was partly due to the cheap manufacturing of mirrors that became more accessible and wide-spread.  The ability to use oneself as a model was also economical. Consequently, an artist’s pursuit for aesthetically pleasing portraits gradually gave way to experimenting with the depiction of their own image, and self-portraits evolved into a form of self-exploration. As the artist plays a unique dual role of being both the subject and creator, glimpses of their intimate psychology are often revealed in their work.

The theory of personality is one of Freud’s most influential and enduring theories of psychoanalysis and argues that the human psyche is made up of three components; the ‘Id’, the ‘Ego’ and the ‘Superego’. The Id being the primitive, unconscious part of one’s personality that is devoid of any reality or moral compass; its only objective is to seek pleasure. The Ego encompasses rational thought and quells the Id’s irrational demands with reality. The Superego holds an individual’s moral values and understanding of social norms and strives to cultivate its ideal version of itself.

Freud argues that these three constructs are in constant ‘internal conflict’ and determine our psyche. For example, the Superego is usually at odds with the Id and aims to control its impulsive behaviour, especially those that are forbidden by society or deemed taboo, such as sex and aggression. Freud believed that creativity is powered by impulses and instincts, which are characteristics of the Id, and usually lie hidden in the subconscious but can surface through an artist’s work. Self-portraiture can often expose these elements of the human psyche subconsciously; Zeng Fanzhi’s Mask series was made throughout the 1990s during the Chinese Political Pop Art movement and represents the emotional and physical strain that the artist’s generation endured during China’s abrupt transformation from communism to a capitalist led society. A stark contrast from Chairman Mao’s reign, when artists in particular, were forced to hide their political views and identities out of fear of persecution, hence the ‘mask’.  Going deeper, the Mask series can be interpreted through Freud’s theory of internal conflict and the artist’s own psychological state of mind. At first glance, the portrait conforms to the traditional composition of historical portraiture; the figure is facing out towards the viewer addressing them directly. Fanzhi’s stark and muted expression attempts to depict a neutral image of himself as a normal and conformed member of society, however, the mask itself is indicative of the façade that one often portrays in public - the Superego supressing the Id.

One criticism that is often attributed to the Superego is that, although it is the part of our personality that aims to uphold a high moral standard, it can often instil unrealistic aims on ourselves and, as a result, the projection of a false sense of self. This is arguably illustrated in Chuck Close’s Self-Portrait, Four Holograms, 2004. Here, the artist depicts himself not only once but four times, each at different angles, clarifying his importance to the viewer as well as hinting at the various different elements of his personality. His innovate use of hologram as a medium deceptively give a sense of movement and depth, creating an illusion of physical presence. Close’s eerie portraits stare out at the viewer and can be interpreted as a manifestation of his Superego peering out from his subconscious.

Analysing self-portraiture through Freud’s theory of personality, opens up a broader and more comprehensive dialogue between the artist and the viewer, highlighting the importance and power of the subconscious. As Freud argues, it is the human psyche that drives an artist’s creativity, and that art and psychology are inextricably linked. It is through this link that our perception of self-portraiture becomes enriched.