By “Portraits of Dazzle” is a captivating series of portrait paintings created by Japanese artist Shigeki Matsuyama. Born out of his fascination with identity in the digital age, this collection offers a thought-provoking exploration of how individuals perceive themselves and others in an era dominated by online presence and social media.
Concept and Creation
Shigeki Matsuyama embarked on the “Portraits of Dazzle” project by collecting selfies from the vast expanse of the internet. Intrigued by the way people curate and present their self-image online, he sought to examine the concept of identity amidst the sea of digital personas. Using an image projector, Shigeki transferred and traced the eyes from these collected photos onto the silhouette of different individuals. His deliberate selection of subjects with diverse characteristics, including race, gender, hairstyle, and body type, adds layers of complexity to each portrait. The resulting artworks challenge viewers to question the authenticity of online identities and confront the notion that the eyes depicted could belong to anyone, blurring the lines between reality and perception.
Evolution of the Series
“Portraits of Dazzle” is an ongoing series that continues to evolve with each new iteration. Shigeki Matsuyama’s exploration of digital identity takes on new dimensions in his latest exhibition, titled “Anonymous Heroes.” In this exhibition, the artist delves into the concept of justice through a series of portraits featuring online self-proclaimed heroes. By portraying these individuals with the same technique of merging disparate identities, Shigeki prompts viewers to consider the complexities of heroism in the digital realm and question the validity of online narratives.
Reflections on Identity and Perception
Through his “Portraits of Dazzle” series, Shigeki Matsuyama invites viewers to reflect on the fluid nature of identity and the role of perception in shaping our understanding of others. By juxtaposing the eyes of different individuals onto unfamiliar faces, the artist challenges conventional notions of identity and prompts us to question the reliability of digital representations. In a world where social media profiles often serve as curated extensions of our identities, Shigeki’s paintings serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities and contradictions inherent in our online personas.
Conclusion
“Portraits of Dazzle” by Shigeki Matsuyama is a compelling exploration of identity, perception, and the digital age. Through his innovative approach to portraiture, the artist prompts viewers to question the authenticity of online identities and contemplate the ways in which we construct and present ourselves in the digital realm. With each mesmerizing painting, Shigeki invites us to consider the multifaceted nature of human identity and the ever-shifting boundaries between reality and virtuality.
