The body and identity have become prominent themes in the digital realm, centering on questions
of how we define ourselves in virtual as well as networked physical space. While our physical bodies
are still individual, physical objects, they have also become increasingly transparent; exact surveillance and identification seem to threaten the idea of individual autonomy... Our virtual existence suggests the opposite of a unified, individual body - multiple selves inhabiting mediated realities.
- Christiane Paul
author of Digital Art and Adjunct Curator of New Media Arts at the Whitney Museum
Project 1 > Bio-Collage > Mosaic Format
This digital art project poses a question: What is portraiture in the digital age? Please consider the history of portraiture, especially self-portraits by artists, and how the era is reflected in the style of the portrait. Create a self-portrait that reflects your own identity as an artist in this contemporary age. Your portrait must also explore the concept of mosaic in digital media and should be assembled from at least nine separate pieces that together form the whole. Allow the divisions between these pieces to play an active role in the image dynamics of the portrait. As tiled images these should reflect the multiplicity and fragmentation of personal identity in the digital age. Consider mixing traditional techniques (drawing, painting, etc) with digital techniques. Employ art principles to strengthen image unity (color, line, texture, etc). Assemble a dynamic image that contains both unity and surprise. Work at appropriate image resolution for quality output. Final work should be printed and mounted to large scale (suggested dimensions of 24 inches by 30 inches or equivalent scale.) Mount or print to highest quality final craft.
View previous student works>> http://www.d.umn.edu/~jrock2/biocoll
View 2011 spring student works > > http://www.d.umn.edu/~jrock2/2011mosaics