IN FOCUS

An Exhibition about Self Reflection

This photographic series was conceived as an exploration of the self-portrait, a genre that has long been used to reflect the artist's identity, emotions, and sense of self. While the self-portrait can take many forms, each artist in this collection approached the task with a distinct perspective, offering a unique lens through which to understand their personal journeys. This exhibition marks the culmination of a semester-long course at the University of Kentucky's School of Art & Visual Studies, where students engaged in advanced digital printing and mounting techniques, working with both large-scale and small-format prints. 

Historically, the self-portrait has been a powerful tool for artists to explore their own physical features, emotional states, and internal worlds. In this course, however, we sought to move beyond traditional representations of self, challenging students to reflect on the complexities of their current lives and futures. The goal was to create works that not only capture outward appearances but also convey deeper narratives about the challenges, ambitions, and personal growth each student is experiencing. 


For some, these works serve as a snapshot of their current circumstances, while for others, they offer a glimpse into how they envision their future selves. Some students in this class are on the verge of graduation and preparing to enter the professional world, while others are still navigating their academic paths at UK, with more years ahead to refine their skills and ideas. The images in this collection are thus not only responses to the present moment, but also meditations on identity, transition, and the road ahead. 


Through this exhibition, we hope to honor the diverse stories and perspectives of these emerging artists, whose work embodies both the uncertainty and promise of the future, as well as the deeply personal and transformative experiences that shape them today. 

 Participating Artists:
  Jaylin Davis           Jesse De Leon
Ashton Dorton         Amanda Duvall
  Lilly Foster             Clay Gregory
Garett Leach          Aubrey Riddick
Andrew Smith       Jessie Sutherland

Faculty: James Robert Southard “Rob”
A-S 387 ADVANCED DIGITAL POST-PRODUCTION
School of Art & Visual Studies, University of Kentucky