Artists have been playing with the idea of identity and caricature for years. Claude Cahun (1894-1954), Cindy Sherman (b. 1954) and Juno Calypso (b. 1989) are amongst the most prominent figures to do so, morphing themselves into a catalogue of different contexts. In the 21st century, the idea of having a fixed portrait no longer exists. Since the rise of the smartphone, faces change on a daily basis, subject to new kinds of choreography, masquerade and performance. In lockdown, with limited resources, this concept is further heightened. We are completely isolated whilst being constantly connected through the camera lens. Julia Keil’s (b. 1986) self-portraits reference films and works of fine art to express these familiar experiences. She appears, lounging on a sofa in the living room after a birthday party; peering into an Amazon package like a Pandora’s Box of consumer goodies; and combing unruly hair with a Pre-Raphaelite sense of liberation. juliakeil.com
Julia Keil, Day 9: Contained & Connected.
Inspired by Lady Lilith by Dante Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites.
“I spontaneously exchanged the mirror for my phone – a sign of
self-reflection and communication, allowing us to stay connected.”
Julia Keil, Day 22: Only Stories Left Alive.
Inspired by: Only Lovers Left Alive, directed by Jim Jarmusch.
“I watched this film the night before taking the photo and felt it
reflected the current climate, with few going out in the daylight.”
Julia Keil, Day 34: The Birthday.
Inspired by Decadent Young Woman, After the Dance by Ramon Casas.
“I had the (hopefully) once in a lifetime opportunity to have my birthday during lockdown. I added balloons, a bottle of wine, a bar of chocolate and, of course, my phone: the connection to the outside world and to the image.”
Julia Keil, Day 30: Pandora’s Package.
“On this day all non-essential orders from Amazon had been suspended
in France for this lockdown period to help prevent the spread of Covid-19.”
Inspired by Margot in The Royal Tenenbaums, directed by Wes Anderson.
“The character’s secrecy and need for privacy, which she often finds in the bathroom, is something which many can relate to during these times when families, partners and roommates find themselves confined together.”
