Gray’s Anatomy – Are you self-obsessed? – By Richard Gray
Yes, it’s Friday again and that means one thing around here and one thing only, Richard Gray’s, Gray’s Anatomy column article. This week Richard discusses the psychology of ‘selfies’. Seriously, don’t miss this, over to you Richard. (Foreword by Joanne Carter).
Are you a bit self-obsessed? Well, like my Mum always used to say if I said “very unique”, I’m not sure you can be “a bit” self-obsessed. But let’s go with it. And do you take photos? If your answers are yes and yes, you’ve probably taken a “selfie”. Or in highfalutin parlance, a self-portrait. Or in simple terms, a picture of yourself. With most smart phones, just flip the lens and you can line yourself up and do a really sexy pout.
An article in The Guardian this week highlighted the popularity of the selfie. In it, Bim Adewunmi says selfies are so popular, especially with celebs, because they are easy and you are in control of the photo. “I love selfies. And I am not alone.” she says. Well, I’m not that keen on doing selfies myself actually. Thinking about it, though, it would make a difference if I was a lot better looking and younger. If you’ve got a nice face, then just like any other nice-looking thing, you probably want to take a photo of it. If not, then not. Another reason I’m probably not that bothered is that I’m married. Especially if you’re good looking, free and single, a selfie is a great way of putting yourself in the match-making shop window. Surely it’s no coincidence that selfies are most popular amongst pubescent teens?
But perhaps a more profound theory for the popularity of the selfie (and here my degree in philosophy is finally coming in handy) has something in common with the popularity of the food image. I previously speculated (move over Alain de Botton!) that people like taking pictures of their food because they want to reassure themselves, in some primeval way, of their continued survival. In the same way, don’t people take pictures of themselves just to tell themselves that they exist? This is me. I am alive. I pout therefore I am.
‘A rare rugfoot selfie’ – ©Richard Gray
Joanne Carter
Joanne Carter is a British photography journalist, editor, curator, and the founder of *TheAppWhisperer.com*, one of the world’s leading platforms dedicated to mobile photography and art. Since its launch in 2009, TheAppWhisperer has become an international hub for artists of all levels to discover, learn, exhibit, and engage with contemporary photographic practice.Built on principles of inclusivity, accessibility, and artistic excellence, Joanne has spent almost two decades championing mobile photography as a serious artistic medium. Through interviews, critical essays, exhibitions, competitions, and education, she has helped shape and document the evolution of mobile art on a global scale.Her work has taken her internationally, lecturing on photography and mobile art at institutions and events including the Museum of Art in Seoul, South Korea, alongside appearances in the UK and Europe. She has served as a juror for international photography and mobile art awards across Portugal, Canada, the United States, South Korea, Italy, and the UK.Joanne is also the founder of *TheAppWhispererPrintSales.com*, one of the first online galleries dedicated exclusively to collectible mobile art, connecting artists with collectors across Europe, the United States, and Asia.Before founding TheAppWhisperer, Joanne worked extensively in print journalism and photographic publishing, including roles at a paparazzi photo agency and as deputy editor of a leading photography magazine. Her freelance journalism, criticism, and commentary have been published widely in both the UK and the US, with bylines in *The Times*, *The Sunday Times*, *The Guardian*, *Popular Photography*, *NikonPro*, *DPReview*, *Which?*, *Vogue Italia*, *LensCulture*, the *BBC*, and more recently, the *Financial Times*, where her published letters on photography continue to contribute to wider conversations around the medium.Alongside her editorial and curatorial work, Joanne’s own photographic practice has been exhibited internationally across the UK, Europe, South Korea, and the United States. Her work increasingly explores themes of grief, loss, death, memory, and the body.Her current research interests centre on grief, death, and poverty, with forthcoming postgraduate study leading towards doctoral research in these areas.Joanne is currently developing new long-form writing and photographic projects and is available for commissions, editorial projects, speaking engagements, and collaborations.Contact: joannetheappwhisperer@gmail.com)
One Comment
Dilshad
Almost a Van Gogh! Brill as always!