Saatchi Gallery and Huawei’s collaborative exhibition Selfie to self-expression (31st March – 28th May 2017) displayed a kaleidoscope of innovative and experimental photographs; it is also the first exhibition in the world to focus on the development of selfies throughout history. The works accumulated were taken from the competition #SaatchiSelfie which offered the opportunity for artists from all over the world to express themselves in the form of selfies. Most artists used this exhibition as a means of addressing our obsession with social media as selfies have quickly become a common tool of socialisation.

Artists explore our unhealthy idealization of perfection as well as the modern disillusionment with reality thus creating works that are beautiful yet perilous.  For instance, Ola Walków’s graphic and invasive collection „My only dream was about being beautiful, but it was hurting me…. I had to do it…..” illustrates the struggle of body acceptance; Walków’s selfie causes great unease as it forces the viewers to experience her sensations during the surgery. Other artists like Finnian Croy’s Duo transports us into the familiar setting of the bathroom. This mundane setting is interrupted by the double reflection of the subject, thus adding a layer of discomfort; like Walków’s piece, we are no longer a silent observer as the subject is aware of our presence. Most contemporary selfies tend to focus on existentialism and ultimately questions our way of thought, understanding and purpose.

Selfie to self-expression, (2017) [Exhibition]. Saatchi Gallery, London. 31st March – 28th May 2017.