This photographic series, created between 1994 and 1996, features one hundred close-up portraits of the artist’s face, taken outdoors in Iceland over multiple visits. Each image captures subtle shifts in expression and the effects of varying weather conditions, creating a nuanced exploration of identity and the environment. The portraits, seemingly identical at first glance, reveal a multitude of variations upon closer inspection, prompting reflection on the interplay between internal states and external forces.
The work’s significance lies in its multifaceted approach to portraiture, moving beyond traditional representation to explore the fluidity of identity. By capturing the artist’s face under changing atmospheric conditions, the series suggests a dynamic relationship between self and surroundings. This blurring of boundaries challenges the notion of a fixed or stable self, presenting identity as something shaped by and responsive to external factors. Placed within the stark Icelandic landscape, the project also resonates with themes of isolation, vulnerability, and the human connection to nature. The artist’s decision to use her own likeness reinforces the intimate and personal nature of this exploration.
