It’s been over ten years since the term “selfie” entered our lexicon as Oxford Dictionaries’ word of the year, defined as “a self-captured photograph, typically snapped with a smartphone or webcam and circulated through social platforms.” Despite its recent popularity, the practice of creating one’s image dates back far into history. The tradition of self-portraiture has been present since the days of ancient Egyptian and Greek artistry and found particular prominence during the Renaissance with artists like Dürer and Jan van Eyck. Today, as we confront the complexities of deepfakes, image filters, and AI-crafted visuals, the essence of self-portraiture has taken on a more intricate and multifaceted meaning.
Photographer Chrissy Lush, based in Nashville, finds a potent means of expression in self-documentation. For Lush, appearing before the lens is an exploration into the subconscious and an unveiling of intimate realities. Her aim is to “capture the ineffable aspects of emotion… the segments of my persona that defy words.” Her creations are akin to the performance-driven art reminiscent of Cindy Sherman’s (b. 1954) Untitled Film Stills from 1977-1980, where Sherman portrayed herself in a multitude of roles and environments.
Tiny beads of moisture meander down bare skin. Vinyl records play their endless symphony as ice cubes dissipate in forgotten drinks. Lush is depicted lounging on a lawn of vibrant green, her features dancing with the light. In another, she is enveloped by a lush sofa or shrouded in sumptuous orange fabric. To Lush, these intricate details, movements, and surroundings are channels for revealing concealed anxieties or longings. “Even my absence in the imagery doesn’t diminish its reflection of me,” she says. The essence of her visual narrative resides in these nuanced details.
chrissylush.com | @chrissy_lush
Images provided by courtesy of Chrissy Lush.
