The Selfie, Temporality, and Contemporary Photography

This book is a theoretical examination of the relationship between the face, identity, photography, and temporality, focusing on the temporal episteme of selfie practice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between the face, identity, photography, and temporality, with a specific focus on the temporal episteme of selfie practice. Claire Raymond takes readers on a thought-provoking journey as she explores how selfies engage with time and self, emerging from the capitalist ideologies of identity and time. Through the lens of various theories, including those of Katharina Pistor, Jacques Lacan, Rögnvaldur Ingthorsson, and Hans Belting, Raymond uncovers the ways in which the selfie imposes a dominant ideology on subjectivity by manipulating the affect of time.

In contrast to the self-portrait, the selfie emerges as a unique form of self-expression, offering a glimpse into the individual's subjective experiences and perspectives. The book discusses a diverse range of artists who have incorporated selfies into their artistic practices, including James Tylor, Shelley Niro, Ellen Carey, Graham MacIndoe, and LaToya Ruby Frazier. These artists contribute to our understanding of the selfie as a cultural phenomenon and as a tool for self-reflection and empowerment.

The book appeals to scholars working in diverse fields, including visual culture, history of photography, critical theory, philosophy, and the intersection of aesthetic theory and theories of ontology, epistemology, and temporality. It offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of self-representation and the role of technology in shaping our understanding of time and identity. By examining the selfies' temporal episteme, Raymond encourages readers to reevaluate our relationship with self-image and the broader cultural implications of this phenomenon.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complex interplay between the face, identity, photography, and temporality. Through its insightful analysis and engaging discussions, it provides a fresh perspective on the selfie as a cultural phenomenon and as a tool for self-expression and reflection.

Weight: 426g
Dimension: 173 x 246 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367765750