Self-portraits raise the question of our own existence. As the artist catches the viewer’s eye, he/she can vicariously experience being the artist. This eye-to-eye contact is the purest, most direct connectedness with another human we can have in art.
The artist’s eyes are directed outwardly, seeking to be seen and directly seeking you out as well. The look is charged with intensity and meaning. It often can pull you inward to an inner-vision, a mind’s eye and soul.
I have done several self-portraits over the years, usually busts concentrating on the intimacy of the gaze within a glance.
Artists Magazine asked, “What is your favorite self-portrait?” Seven artists answered, including Costa
