In The Sun Also Rises, Ernest Hemingway wrote that bankruptcy happens in two ways: "Gradually, and then suddenly." Change of all kinds moves at that pace, which is why Australian photographer Bronwen Hyde's 2007 series, "a self-portrait a day for a year," is a particularly compelling project. Even more appealing is her creativity in constructing 365 distinctly interesting images.
Instead of simply documenting her appearance as she slowly morphs into a slightly older version of herself, the thirty-year old artist used the opportunity to create images that reflected her interests, influences and inspirations. And like Cindy Sherman, she culled direct references from cinema and often carefully re-staged particular shots and scenes to achieve that goal.
'isabella and david' [homage to annie leibovitz]
2007
c-type print
20 x 26
'after muybridge', 2007
C-type Print
83 x 38
In 'after muybridge', #91, she layers six shots of herself arched backwards in a black bra and pantyhose, creating the impression that she is crawling upside down across the frame. Her morbid look of desperation for 'addiction,' #104, creates an atmosphere of horror-movie like suspense. And in the 116th image in her series, she poses as Isabella Rossellini next to a friend with his shirt pulled over his face simulating the image of David Lynch with his shirt over his face in the iconic portrait Annie Leibovitz took of the friends. The image also references her pose as Rossellini stylized by Lynch for Blue Velvet, for #36 in her series.
In the end, Hyde's day-by-day attention to her physical and artistic development is less important than the cumulative body of work she built over the course of a year. Her vigilance and effort is admirable and her images' strength make 2007 a valuable year for the young, promising artist.
To see more of her work, registered on Saatchi Online, click here.
ANA FINEL HONIGMAN is a critic, PhD candidate in art history at Oxford University and Senior London Correspondent for the Saatchi Gallery's online magazine. She is Art Editor of Alef (alefmag.com/) and contributes regularly to such publications as Style.com, Grazia, Tank, Sleek and Harper's Bazaar.
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