The portrait has historically been understood as an artistic representation of a human subject. Its purpose was to create visual or psychological likenesses or the expression of personal, familial or social identity; it was typically associated with the privileged individual. Recent scholarship in the humanities and social sciences however has responded to the complex nature of twenty-first century subjectivity and proffered fresh conceptual models and theories to analyse it.
The contributors to Anti-Portraiture examine individuality via a range of media including sculpture, photography, installation and sound art, and make a convincing case for an expanded definition of portraiture. By offering a timely re-appraisal of the terms through which this art form is approached, the chapter authors volunteer new paradigms in which to consider selfhood, embodiment and representation. In doing so they further this exciting academic debate and challenge the curatorial practices and acquisition policies of museums and galleries.