Self-Portrait of a Woman
Project Title
Self-Portrait of a Woman
Year
2024
Dimentions
2,6m x 1,9m
Exhibition
Made-in-Photo
Bulvary, Wrocław
This self-portrait is a manifestation of liberation and self-acceptance, going beyond the boundaries of social and familial taboos. I address themes such as sexuality, living with illness, disability, and the pressure to maintain an ideal appearance.
By depicting myself in various incarnations, both in public contexts and intimate, domestic settings, I demonstrate the process of transformation — from a person seeking validation from others to a woman who has found acceptance within herself.
My project, "Self-Portrait of a Woman," is a large-scale self-portrait in 1:1 scale, where I present myself as a woman with many arms and legs.
The composition of the image was created by overlaying multiple photographic shots, resulting in a multiplication effect of the limbs. In this way, I draw a connection to the figure of the Hindu goddess Kali, who symbolizes feminine power and autonomy.
The photograph is created using digital techniques and maintains a realistic scale, emphasizing the authenticity and intimacy of the message. The image is a testament to my inner transformation, a visual essay on self-acceptance, liberation, and respect for the diverse aspects of my identity.
This project presents me as a woman unashamed of herself, breaking through imposed limitations, drawing strength from my own authenticity and the diversity of my experiences.
Me, Myself
A Personal Art Performance
Project Description
"Me, Myself" is an intimate, self-reflective performance piece that revolves around the idea of reclaiming personal space and nurturing oneself. In this performance, I chose a simple yet powerful act: baking and consuming pastries, specifically drożdżówki (traditional Polish yeast buns), in front of an audience. While seemingly mundane, this act is a symbolic gesture of self-acceptance and care.
photo. Tomislav Pranić
photo. Tomislav Pranić
photo. Tomislav Pranić
Breaking Taboo
In many ways, "Me, Myself" challenges long-held taboos about women’s roles in society. Cooking, particularly in a public context, has often been associated with care for others. But what happens when a woman cooks for herself, for her own pleasure and consumption? By performing this act publicly, I wanted to challenge the notion that self-care is something that must be hidden or feel selfish. It is a radical act of love and liberation.
photo. Tomislav Pranić
photo. Tomislav Pranić
photo. Tomislav Pranić
Motivation and Concept
The idea for this project was born out of a deep need for personal reconnection and healing. Coming from a conservative, patriarchal background, where societal expectations and external judgments often dictated the image of who I should be, I found myself disconnected from my own desires and identity. This performance was my way of reclaiming that narrative, of allowing myself to prioritize "me" over others' expectations.
The kitchen, traditionally seen as a space of labor for women, often holds deep cultural and symbolic significance. However, I decided to subvert this expectation by transforming the act of cooking not into a service for others, but a sacred ritual for myself. This performance isn't about feeding others but about nourishing my own body and soul, breaking the conventional link between women and the obligation to serve.
By turning the gaze inward, "Me, Myself" invites the audience to reflect on the act of self-love, not as a selfish indulgence, but as an essential form of self-preservation. It's a metaphor for the importance of tending to one’s own emotional and physical needs, especially in a world that demands so much from us, often without giving anything in return.
photo. Tomislav Pranić
photo. Tomislav Pranić
Message to the Audience
Through this project, I invite viewers to explore their own relationship with self-care, identity, and autonomy. I believe that in a society where women are constantly expected to give, creating space for oneself is not only revolutionary but necessary. "Me, Myself" is my personal declaration of independence from external expectations, and an invitation for others to reflect on their own journey of self-discovery and empowerment.