Narcissism and Narrativity in Photographic Self-Portraiture

Kalpaxi, Elisavet (2012) Narcissism and Narrativity in Photographic Self-Portraiture. Doctoral thesis, Goldsmiths College (University of London).

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Abstract

This thesis deals with the relationship between narcissism and narrativity in photographic self-portraiture. The thesis consists of two parts, one theoretical (the text) and one practical (my photographic work). The text analyses the complexity of this link through psychoanalysis, semiotics, narratology and photography/art theory. My main argument is that the relationship between self-portraiture and narcissism can be rationalized through psychoanalysis. In a psychological sense, however, narcissism is not evident in either the contents or the production process of photography, especially in images that are obviously constructed and suggest a narrative. Self-portraiture emerged historically more as a solution to photography’s ‘authority-consciousness’ than an indication of any underlying psychological causes. Besides, the centrality of narcissism in typical twentieth-century views of photographic self-portraiture has recently started losing ground to systems of interpretation inherited from painting and the growing emphasis on the superficial use of the genre.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Keywords:	Art, Practice-based, Photography, Self-portraiture
Depositing User:	RED Unit Admin
Date Deposited:	02 Jul 2021 14:33
Last Modified:	02 Jul 2021 14:33
URI:	https://bnu.repository.guildhe.ac.uk/id/eprint/18327

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