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Self-portrait (version 1)
2m x 90cm
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Artist Statement: Self-portraits (version 1 - 3) are a series of larger-than-life digital prints reflecting upon the tradition of
portraiture, in particular the artist's self-portrait and explores the potential of this genre in the 21st
century.
The work was created using 3D Character animation software, selected as a contemporary medium and
logical progression of tools available for figurative representation and modelling. With these tools three
computer generated portraits (version 1 - 3) were created. They begin with 'sketched' version 1, which
retains much of the software's default figure proportions, progressively becoming more detailed and
realistic in the subsequent versions. However authentically rendered, all the resulting figures retain a
strongly synthetic nature. The portraits are reminiscent of computer game characters yet present a
progressive development towards a more 'normal' body shape. This normality provides a level of
contradiction to the work, as although the figures are very obviously computer generated, they do not
present the stylised shapes normally associated with 3D characters (in computer games etc). Rather
than the normally centimetres high computer generated characters we encounter on screen, the large
scale of the prints present the viewer with figures of relative proportions to the human body. This
uncomfortable enlargement is intensified by the figures being in fact slightly too large, provoking a
somewhat intimidating presence.
Beverley Hood is an artist based in Edinburgh, Scotland and has worked with the web and interactive
media since the mid 90's, creating projects that examine the nature of communication, interaction and
presence in relation to technology. She has taken part in numerous residency programmes and worked
with a range of international organisations to create projects including: c3; New Media Scotland; LUTCHI
Research Centre; Akiyoshidai International Art Village. From 2000 - 2001 she was the John Florent Stone
Fellow at Edinburgh College of Art and in 2002 worked in Switzerland for six months as part of the iaab -
International Residency Exchange Programme Basel. Her work has been exhibited in the UK, Europe,
North America and Japan. Recent shows include; "Virtual Incarnations", Institute of Contemporary Art,
London; "Mediarama", Andalusian Center for Contemporary Art, Seville; "INTERSTANDING 4 - end repeat",
The Art Museum of Estonia, Tallinn. She is currently Postgraduate Co-ordinator for the MDes in Visual
Communication at Edinburgh College of Art.
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