Portrait automatique
1968 - 1970
Portrait automatique
1968 - 1970
Arnulf Rainer's contorted self-portraits present themselves as masks of existential tragedy.
ln the 1950s, Rainer became interested in the world of psychiatry. During the 1960s, he took part in medical experiments on the psychotic effects of drugs. Fascinated by the expressiveness of people with mental disorders, he began to reproduce them in front of the camera. He then added a pictorial dimension to his photographs by drawing or painting directly onto the surface. For the artist, this act of covering up the image symbolises death,
the ultimate truth that remains ever hidden from the eyes of the living.
| Domain | Photo |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Epreuve gélatino-argentique |
| Dimensions | 12 x 9 cm |
| Acquisition | Achat, 2004 |
| Inventory no. | AM 2004-168 |
Detailed description
| Artist |
Arnulf Rainer
(1929, Autriche) |
|---|---|
| Main title | Portrait automatique |
| Creation date | 1968 - 1970 |
| Domain | Photo |
| Techniques | Epreuve gélatino-argentique |
| Dimensions | 12 x 9 cm |
| Inscriptions | S.B.G.: A.Rainer |
| Acquisition | Achat, 2004 |
| Collection area | Cabinet de la photographie |
| Inventory no. | AM 2004-168 |
