Self-Portrait Assignment

Your final assignment for this class prior to the final exam will be to create a self-portrait using found objects. The portrait may be in any style, but should make use of the ideas we have explored in class about the self. We will be looking at various psychological theories, literary and religious traditions on the self. You should look at Professor Wylly's handout, consider what you wish to convey about yourself, and how that fits in with the tradition we have explored in class. You will complete an online commentary on your self-portrait in which you discuss the various ideas and traditions we have studied in class, how they are or are not represented in your self-portrait, and any new ideas your portrait suggests about art and the self. You should make use of interdisciplinary resources to answer these questions. These sources might include art theory, literature (Rilke), religion (Hindu sources), and other relevant resources. The online commentary will be worth 15 points of your self-portrait grade, while the portrait itself and the class presentation will be worth 85 points. Your in-class presentation will be on the last scheduled day of class, December 9th, and you should be able to explain the symbolism and ideas represented in your portrait.

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