Getty Museum
Photo-Transformation, November 7, 1973
Creator
Lucas SamarasAmerican Photographer · 1936–2024
All works by this person →Lucas Samaras was already known as a sculptor, painter, and performance artist when he began experimenting with photography. In his early work, which includes multi-media assemblages, he often included images of himself. The persistent use of himself as a subject has led one critic to remark that "Samaras's almost obsessional self-observation extends past narcissism toward a physical understanding
More on Getty ULAN- Date
- November 7, 1973
- Medium
- Polaroid SX-70 dye diffusion print
- Culture
- American
- Department
- Photographs
- Institution
- Getty Museum
What does Lucas Samaras reveal about himself in this Photo-Transformation? He created this self-portrait with a Polaroid camera, but he did not let the picture develop on its own. Samaras altered the print by manipulating the dyes, slightly obscuring his head and shoulders. The viewer's attention focuses on his gaping mouth, which suggests a long, desperate scream. Perhaps Samaras was trying to convey that he is frightened. Is he crying out in despair, or pain, or rage? Or is he crying out at all? This portrait seems to present more questions than answers, somewhat like the artist himself.
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