coulton morris‘s upside series of self-portraits brought to my attention again the phenomena of photographing one’s self - a prevalent theme of expression of artists and i suppose it is the isolation sickness of our necessary virtual connectivity that now breeds this complexity on such a scale that self portraiture has become the everyday photographic equivalent of an edwardian letter of introduction - whatever the reason, technological advances and publishing accessibility has brought this all to the fore and everyone is now photographing themselves; my initial shortsighted reaction to the mirror/smartphone photography was based only on narcissistic self-celebration, i only caught on to the need for appreciation and identity part later. call me conservative but i still like to get to know you. sadly though, reflecting on some recent chance on-line encounters made me realize again that the art of conversation is reduced to a text light series of emoticons and exchanges of profile pictures which is probably owning up to their share of the bad spelling and over punctuation on the internet… loosely quoting from the movie ‘contagion’ when jude law refers to his blog, ‘blogging is not journalism, it’s graffiti with punctuation’… our social-media is saturated with self-portraiture and i suspect it may play a major role in accelerating the conformity game and promoting mediocrity, now everyone is becoming so visually literate they can hardly string a sentence together - i can only hope a counter revolution is imminent; being all for on-line friendships and the last one to be ignorant about the impressions of appearance, i find it very disconcerting when one’s communication of experiences are limited to a series of self portraits with varying backgrounds ‘at’ this and ‘with’ that… which brings me back to mr morris… i just find the simple act him staging himself balancing on his head in various unlikely places infinitely more interesting… although i must add that i never mind seeing some self-appreciating beefcake showing off.
LB Louis Boshoff
Center of Gravity
Stupidity & Sensitivity
Since it’s nearly impossible to gauge each individual’s level of sensitivity or stupidity, I’d rather play it safe and classify this site as suitable for adults only. Although that term is still nebulous to me, the responsibility remains that of the viewer.
Curating & Criticism
The identification and definition of creativity are two different things. Challenging conventional interpretations and perspectives expands its validity and effect. I am convinced that collaborations and participation across creative industries allow for discovering a greater realisation of our potential.
Art & Collecting
I love mixing styles and textures, media and materials. But I believe in respecting personality when it comes to choosing work. There is of course the investment angle which is too boring to discuss here….or anywhere really. It is important to remember that when you live with art, it should be alive to you. That is to say it needs to move you. You need to have an affair with it.
Fashion & Architecture
Starting with the roof over your head and the clothes on your back. These are the things we inhabit. Without entering into the fashion vs trend debate. They also shape our sensibilities and the way we present ourselves.
Design & Function
Whether colour or form is your thing. Pattern or plain. What we choose to live with can make our lives easier or more challenging. Consider your commitment and convince yourself.
Gardens & Flowers
Since Eden it has been a fascination, inspiration, an indulgence of kings and common gardeners, a joy. No home is complete without it. Whether you go for potted, landscaped or organic, dry or shade, just go for it.
Treasures & Trash
Most of which are filed under S for sentimental. I respect that.
Heirlooms. Bargains. Souvenirs. Gifts. Curiosities. Found Objects. Impulse Buys.
Never hide what’s important or meaningful. Denial is a very ugly word.
History & Reality
Get to know yourself and others. As much as we live in the same world, everyone has their own version of it. Live up to yours, never fear your dreams and ideals lest they remain aspirations forever.