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Course: Tate > Unit 3
Lesson 1: ActivitiesDelve deeper into art with this activity
In this activity, we want you to explore the relationship between art and identity by comparing and contrasting two works of art. Look at the two images below, examine them carefully, and then think of how you might compare them. How are they similar? How are they different? What other kinds of relationships exist between them?
You might want to begin your comparison by thinking about these elements:
- Subject: Who or what is the subject of these images? Why might an artist want to create a self portrait in the first place? Are they simple self portraits, or are the artists creating images of themselves in order to confront bigger ideas and issues?
- Composition: What is the orientation of the subjects in regard to the viewer? What kind of attitude or intention might their direct gazes convey? How has each artist depicted her own body, and to what effect?
- Medium: Which medium has each artist used in creating her self portrait, and what do you think motivated these choices? Does either medium lend itself to a more honest or accurate depiction of the artist?
- Or is there some other way you would like to compare these images?
For further discussion
Now that you’ve visually explored this work of art, share your thoughts in the Questions area below. Then read the other responses, compare them to your own, and see if someone might inspire you to think about art in a new way.
Remember: art is always open to interpretation, so there are no wrong answers!
Want to join the conversation?
I think that the goals of both women are different. The first one made the self portrait to transmit how she wants to be perceived, meanwhile the second one transmit how she perceives herself. Sara Lucas looks fierce, like she owns the place, challenging, while Gwen John transmits a calm and analytic woman.(6 votes)
It might have been easier, and fairer, to compare them if they were of the same medium. However, the Gwen John portrait seems to be an oil painting. The use of oil paint rather than charcoal, for instance, permits loving depiction of the fairness of her skin in contrast to her red dress and black shawl. It would be unfair to suggest she eschewed photography since that was a relatively new art form in her time. She is portraying herself as genteel and ladylike, hence the style of clothing, buttoned up to the neck with a cameo brooch at the throat and a black shawl. Her hair is pulled back in a very demure style. I think both Gwen and Sarah are trying to portray themselves in a wider context, but making different statements. Gwen wants to be seen as belonging to polite society, Sarah wants to be seen as a rebel and somewhat loose. They both gaze at the viewer. Gwen's gaze is gentle rather than defiant and seems to convey a sense of calm dignity. Sarah's gaze is defiant. I think the media each artist chose accurately conveys the image of herself that she wants to convey. I have no reason to assume their portrayal lacks honesty.(3 votes)
- Gwen John has created a self portrait that is a interpretation of herself using a paint medium, whereas Sarah Lucas has captured a true image of herself through photography using object placement to reflect her interpretation.
The facial expressions of both self portraits are similar, emanating the individuals strength and purpose.
When looking at each piece I feel;
Sarah Lucas: self judgement, masculinity-expression
Gwen John: loneliness, deep thought. Reserved yet distinguished.(3 votes)
Thanks, Vanessa. I would absolutely agree with you -- both of these images convey the artist's strength and purpose uniquely.(1 vote)
- I like to look at the ways both women relate to the space depicted. Lucas' woman takes over the entire space depicted in the work, owns it, some parts of it are visible to the viewer (with very thoughtfully arranged ''product placements'), there is something 'backing her up' whilst John's woman seems to guard the invisible background.(2 votes)
In both works of art, the subject are women and I think, however different, both convey a similar idea - those women are strong and have what it takes to face their worlds, they are both very determined. Sarah Lucas is fierce, masculine, courageous - characteristics that help her survive in the modern world. However, Gwen John has a rather calm, introspective and intelligent look. She has to use her femininity in order to succeed, otherwise she would be a paria of her times. Sarah Lucas' image screams while Gwen John's invites us in a more ethereal atmosphere. Lucas portrays the modern woman, John portrays femininity (the fact that she choose a very simple background puts her in the foreground - she does not need any objects, decorations, pleasant colors - who she is is enough and nothing else matters).(2 votes)
- Each portrait is self examining, both talk more about their situation and feeling than there appearance. Each artist has shown extreme honesty in the self depiction. The material may be as simple as what was available in their lifetime. Would Gwen John have used photography if it was readily and easily available? maybe...(2 votes)
- In my opinion, I see the "Self Portrait with Fried Eggs" as trying to convey the message of how women are seen in the media, and the fact that the medium is a photograph makes me feel as if the message is more direct. Gwen John's "Self Portrait" is simply a painting and has less power.
I notice how Sarah Lucas has a strong gaze directed right at the camera, and her body language is provocative and intimidating while Gwen John evokes a feeling of calm and submission almost and her focus seems to be directed slightly elsewhere.
Both pieces evoke different feelings and confront different issues. Both are beautiful in their own ways(2 votes) - Both of these images seem to have a similar expression. Addressing the viewer's perception of these women. The women hold direct contact with the viewer through the eyes allowing a connection to made between how they are framing themselves. A sort of presentation is made of the self. The gazes act as confrontational - upon waiting viewers deconstruction of them. The composition of the photograph, causing the viewers eyes to focus down on the subject enhances this.
The stark reality of photography seems more gritty and revealing than that of the painting. However both seem to share an expression of boldness, confrontation but withdrawal at the same time.(1 vote) 
Both self portraits seem to speak to the viewer. The left image is fairly bold, while the one on the right is more understated. Both subjects seem to want to be seen. Their eyes beckon to make contact with the viewer's. Their eyes tell us, "I have something to say to you. Please listen to me."(1 vote)- Although both artists have presented themselves looking directly at the viewer of the image I feel that Lucas is challenging the viewer to take her seriously whereas John is politely asking the viewer to connect with her.(1 vote)