Through the Looking Glass

About

The self-portrait is not merely a convenient practice subject, or an exercise in narcissism. By confronting one’s own image, the painter confronts an issue at the very heart of representation: the balance between observation and invention.

Even a supposedly 'straight-forward' or 'truthful' observational self-portrait reveals much about its maker through a myriad of small - often unconscious - choices made during the process.

Other artists may choose to acknowledge the interior, fictional or performative aspect of the self.  
And yet, whether seemingly observed or invented, can we ever be sure of what is a mask, and what is 'real'?

"There's no art, to find the mind's construction in the face"
- Duncan

"False face must hide what the false heart doth know"
- Macbeth

Who do you side with; the benevolent King, who trusts others, and his own ability to read them, or the scheming usurper, who comes to know and exploit the falsity of appearances?
Perhaps both are right: appearances can be deceptive, but even a seasoned deceiver reveals more than they know.

In this exhibition, we present self-portraits by 14 contemporary artists, including paintings, drawings and multimedia works. Though varied in style and approach, they all demonstrate that the self-portrait is not as simple as a reflection in the mirror.

Lindsey McLean
Julie Held
Michael Broughton 
Sam Heath 
Geraint Evans 
Michael Chance 
Oliver Mulvihill 
Mark Hanson 
Luke Hannam 
Anna Choutova 
Rachel Mercer 
Annie Suganami 
Tom Scotcher 
Ben Westley-Clarke

Pubic Opening (everyone welcome)

1st March 7-10pm 

Exhibtion Continues until 11th March

Gallery Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 11am-6pm