HSIEH
PEI-TING
Self Series, 2017
Mixed media
"Everything you see is just a reflection in a mirror, an illusion at best."
— Mamoru Oshii, Ghost in the Shell
While our perception of the external world may be illusory, how do we understand our inner selves?
This work starts with the attempt to explore the concept of the "Self" through portraiture, bringing in considerations from the perspective of painting. Unlike traditional portraits, which capture a person in a fixed, eternal moment infused with the artist's emotions, this "self-portrait" belongs to both the artist and each viewer, being fluid, interactive, and momentarily existent. Each piece reflects not only the artist's "Self" but also the "Self" of all viewers.
However, this reflection is not the most authentic version of the viewer themselves; it is shaped by the artist's emotional input, much like all portraits inevitably contain the artist's vision, emotions, and touch. On the other hand, it resonates with Charles Cooley's concept of the "looking glass self." This ongoing exploration is akin to an infinite quest for understanding "Self" and the complexity of defining it.