Self-portraits and solipsism
Is it possible that every artist who made a self-portrait of himself did not intend to portray himself at all, but simply a human being? After all, his entire image of man (just like that of every other creature on earth) is based on his self-referentiality. He conceives of himself as a human being first. Just as he has begun to conceive his parents as the “first” human beings.
Thus, all pictures in which the artist shows himself outside the creative phase would be a simple representation of the people in themselves. But even if he shows himself in his creative phase, he shows only the human being through whom he understands everything and whose activities offer him the telescope through which he observes the activity of the rest of humanity as if from a distance. Himself.
The importance of self-referentiality
Self-referentiality plays an important role in the creation of self-portraits. When an artist portrays himself, he does so from the perspective of his own experiences and his own understanding of himself. This means that the artist’s self-portrait also contains a statement about his own personality and his relationship to himself.
The role of the creative phase
A self-portrait created during the artist’s creative phase could possibly have a different character than a portrait created outside the creative phase. During the creative phase, the artist may be more deeply rooted in his or her creative process and therefore could have a different perspective on him or herself. On the other hand, a self-portrait made outside the creative phase could possibly show a different kind of intimacy and openness, as the artist might be drawing more on his own personality and meaning in other contexts at that moment.
The self-portrait as a representation of the human being
Although self-portraits are primarily intended as representations of the artist himself, it could be argued that on a deeper level they are also a representation of the person himself. Through the artist’s self-referentiality and understanding of himself as a human being, the self-portrait also shows how the artist views the human experience and human existence. It thus gives the viewer the opportunity to put themselves in the artist’s perspective and make a deeper connection with them and their art.
The potential significance of self-portraits
Self-portraits have served many different functions throughout history. They have been used as a means of self-expression and self-assurance, but also as an expression of vanity and self-dramatization. They can also serve as a kind of diary of the artist’s inner thoughts and emotions, providing insight into his or her life and personality.
For the viewer, self-portraits can also act as a mirror image and provide an opportunity to better understand oneself and one’s personality. They can serve as inspiration and encourage the viewer to look at themselves and their own experiences in new ways.
Overall, then, self-portraits reveal not only the artist’s self-image, but also the human self-image in general, and provide an opportunity for self-reflection and contemplation. They are thus a profound and multi-layered art form that can be of great significance to both the artist and the viewer.
So are self-portraits an expression of solipsistic worldview? They show not only the artist’s self-image, but also his perspective on human existence and the world around him. Because of their self-referentiality, self-portraits can be a completely subjective representation, limited to the artist’s experiences and thoughts.
The possibility that self-portraits exhibit such solipsistic tendencies makes them a fascinating art form that can be of great significance to both the artist and the viewer.
One enters into the only really existing world.
