intraspace project: interventions with waikato museum non-gallery space

Katja Ostermeyer (b.1968 Frankfurt\Main, Germany)
Zeitspuren I, II, & III

2010 – 2011

Charting images of oneself doesn’t necessitate vanity or narcissism. Many if not all great artists use the ‘self’ as model or subject purely out of availability. Cindy Sherman is one of the progenitors of the artist as actor/performer. German artist Katja Ostermeyer uses the ‘self portrait’ in a diaristic manner.

With the self portrait, she alone has the power to manipulate the picture plane, the pose, the intention of the photograph as well the medium of photography.
By placing herself behind and in front of the camera, posing in a multiplicity of personae, Ostermeyer explores mood and facets of her character. In doing so, she interrogates herself as a means to provoke the viewer into considering their own selves as public and private beings. Her work is generous in her giving over of herself. We are privy to seeing a private version of her as opposed to the person you might encounter if you were to meet her in person.

These images are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced under any circumstance without express permission from the artist. © Katja Ostermeyer 2011.

Installation view