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Self Portrait

Self Portrait merges photography and exhibition in a single 360° photo, exploring the self-representations of two young women as mediated by public spaces.

The camera situates viewers in a lift lobby and corridor, liminal spaces connecting common areas and private homes. Items symbolizing aspects of their identity are organised in halves, representing the conflicting desires to both hide and be seen. Themes of exposure and concealment emerge from their experiments in self-identity.

Although each object forms part of the circular whole, the format creates an artificially limited field of vision, presenting viewers the option and therefore responsibility of searching for what is hidden just out of sight.

Standing at each pole, the young women dually inhabit acceptance and rejection in the eyes of the beholder.

Public

Riqqah in her usual choice of “trendy” outfit worn in public to fit in with the crowd
MAKE-UP - This chair comprises items such as makeup and clothing items which symbolise concealment and conforming to what is deemed “acceptable”
MAKE-UP - This chair comprises items such as makeup and clothing items which symbolise concealment and conforming to what is deemed “acceptable”
PROFILES - This chair displays variations of profile pictures and ID photos. Some details have been deliberately blanked out to represent the concealment of parts of the identity in public in terms of jobs and even online profiles
PROFILES - This chair displays variations of profile pictures and ID photos. Some details have been deliberately blanked out to represent the concealment of parts of the identity in public in terms of jobs and even online profiles

Rachel in her more outlandish outfit which she wears to town to stand out and it makes her feels comfortable and confident
MAKE-UP - This chair comprises items such as hair dye and bright clothing which symbolises how she finds comfort in standing out through her clothing
MAKE-UP - This chair comprises items such as hair dye and bright clothing which symbolises how she finds comfort in standing out through her clothing
ART- This chair displays a variety of different art materials which symbolises how she expresses herself boldly through her art making
ART- This chair displays a variety of different art materials which symbolises how she expresses herself boldly through her art making

Private

Riqqah in her Baju Kurung - Being an obvious identifier of her culture, she feels vulnerable wearing it out in public spaces but feels comfortable in it in around her family
FAMILY - This chair includes items which represent the togetherness, shared experiences and identity of her family which she finds comfort in
FAMILY - This chair includes items which represent the togetherness, shared experiences and identity of her family which she finds comfort in
RELIGION - This chair shows a tasbih, which is an item she reaches for in hard times, elevated from items which symbolises turmoil and hardships
RELIGION - This chair shows a tasbih, which is an item she reaches for in hard times, elevated from items which symbolises turmoil and hardships

Rachel in her Home Clothes - Representing her need to censor parts of herself when she is home
FAMILY - This chair includes items which represents disconnectedness between her and her family when it comes to certain views and perspectives.
PAST- This chair shows a collection of pictures from her past which she wants to hide from, as it was a point in time where she was always hiding her true individuality
PAST- This chair shows a collection of pictures from her past which she wants to hide form, as it was a point in time where she was always hiding her true individuality

From eyeliner to tempeh

Riqqah explains the significant items of her installation, sharing seminal moments in her life that shape her self-censure, and the restorative power of family. Hear about her roots in the bygone Kampung Tempeh, and her hopes to be seen for who she really is.

Red hair dye to (un)living rooms

For some of us, the home is where we dim ourselves. In this video, Rachel picks out items from her past and present that represens her journey of acceptance. If you're going to be seen anyways, be seen for what you choose.

How to hide; how to be seen

The two friends discuss how they present themselves, delving into what hiding and being seen means in the spaces they inhabit and have chosen.

Behind-the-scenes

Check out the artistic process of Project 3+7 putting the whole installation together! Funny bits included.

Transcripts