Self-Portraits
Self-Portraits, 1986 â 1999
Philip Akkerman (b.1957)
The Dutch artist, Philip Akkerman, is obsessed by the exploration of his identity. He has focused exclusively on self portraits for over 20 years and produced many thousands of variations on his own face. He views this work in a universal context,
âI must continue making self-portraits as long as I live, for better or for worse. I reproduce my life. Broadly speaking, we all experience the same. I paint one of the many. Consequently I paint everyoneâ.
The Ferensâ series of portraits were painted over a 13 year period. They demonstrate that identity can change over time, even from one day to the next and that a person may have many different identities, or aspects to their personality.
Seen together, the paintings also provide a record of Akkermanâs ageing process.
Each work demands to be seen close-up and each element is treated differently; facial features such as neck, nose, hair and paint style, colour and texture. Some portraits are more formal and realistic. In others he deliberately distorts and exaggerates his features and facial expression, using colour to heighten their disturbing psychological impact.
Tempera and oil on panel
Purchased through the Contemporary Art Society Special Collection Scheme with Lottery funding from the Arts Council England, 2000
