Narcissus in Bloom: An Alternative History of the Selfie

Narcissism is the defining pathology of the twenty-first century, but what if it is not self-obsession that defines us but a need for self-transformation? Narcissus in Bloom offers an alternative reading of narcissism from within the midst of a moralizing subgenre of books that argue our self-obsession will be the death of us.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 1 pages
Publication date: 08 August 2023
Publisher: Watkins Media Limited

Narcissism, the defining pathology of the twenty-first century, has long been associated with self-obsession. However, what if it is not self-obsession that defines us but a need for self-transformation? In Narcissus in Bloom, author Sarah Bakewell explores the history of the self-portrait, from Renaissance painters like Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt, and Caravaggio to photographers and celebrities like Paris Hilton, Kim Kardashian, Lee Friedlander, and Herve Guibert. Through an analysis of these artists' perspectives on their own image, Bakewell suggests that the age of the selfie can be seen as a time of transformation rather than stasis.

By returning to the original tale of Narcissus and the flower from which he takes his name, Bakewell offers an alternative reading of narcissism within the context of a moralizing subgenre of books that argue our self-obsession will lead to our downfall. While this may be true, Bakewell questions what we will become after we have taken the watery track and rid ourselves of the cloistered self-image imposed by late capitalism.

Narcissus in Bloom is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex relationship between self-image, art, and society, offering a fresh perspective on the defining pathology of our time.

Weight: 290g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914420634