Self-portraits have a long history dating back to the Renaissance. With few exceptions, however, more numerous examples of female self-portrayal have only been found since the 20th century, when it became possible for women to study at art schools. These self-portrayals provide information about how artists see themselves or want to be seen, and at the same time are testimonies to the role of women in their respective times.

The artists' self-portraits are about moments of reflection, self-assertion and wishful thinking. In themes such as motherhood, identity and masquerades, but also by imitating and satirizing male self-image, they illuminate complex social and political issues. At the same time, the works are deeply personal and accessible. In the age of the selfie, professionalized self-portrayal often reduces women back to the object of observation, adapted to external conventions.

The artist self-portraits in Here I Am! on the other hand, show the great potential of this artistic genre in all its variety, power and depth. It brings together around 80 works by around 30 artists of the 20th and 21st centuries in all artistic media. The tour of the exhibition is completed with selected works by female positions from the important collection of the Kunsthalle Emden.

More information on the event can be found here.