Sarah Lucas, Self Portrait with Skull © Sarah Lucas, courtesy the artist and Sadie Coles HQ, London

In the age of social media, the selfie has become an accessible and immediate mode of self-representation. While the exploration of our personal image in this way may seem a relatively recent concern, artists have always been interested in what it means to portray the self.

The self-portraits in Face to Face, spanning over a hundred years of experimentation, are rarely mere imitations of the mirror’s reflection. However, like a mirror, a self-portrait can encourage awareness and reflection. Some artists use their likeness to tell stories of personal and political upheavals, mixing autobiography with powerful social commentary. Others employ their image to challenge societal norms or stereotypes, expanding established ideas of gender and sexuality. In some works, artists play with costumes and props, intentionally alter their physical appearance, or erase it entirely. This complicates our perception of the self, suggesting it can be fluid, performative and elusive.

Standing face to face with these artists can help us see the multiplicity in our shared humanity and reflect on what it means to exist as an individual in this interconnected world.

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