Arno Rafael Minkkinen: Self-portrait, Narragansett, Rhode Island, 1973.
Arno Rafael Minkkinen: Self-portrait, Narragansett, Rhode Island, 1973. The Finnish Museum of Photography, D1984:72/1.

The role of the self-portrait

Reflection exercise

Time: 10–20 min

Tools: Computer or tablet

Goal: Get to know photographic self-portraits and reflect over what a self-portrait can be. 

Transversal competences: L2, L4, L7

A self-portrait is a portrait of oneself made by an artist. A self-portrait has many roles. A self-portrait can be self-expression or storytelling, but also something in-between. It can be done in a way that suits you, without strict limits or rules. For whom does a self-portrait exist?  

Explore different photographic self-portraits. Consider the different roles of self-portraiture through photography.  

Examples of self-portraits from the collection of the Finnish Museum of Photography:  

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