#Superego example series#

#Superego example series#

Self-portraiture can often expose these elements of the human psyche subconsciously Zeng Fanzhi’s Mask series was made throughout the 1990s during the Chinese Political Pop Art movement and represents the emotional and physical strain that the artist’s generation endured during China’s abrupt transformation from communism to a capitalist led society. Freud believed that creativity is powered by impulses and instincts, which are characteristics of the Id, and usually lie hidden in the subconscious but can surface through an artist’s work. For example, the Superego is usually at odds with the Id and aims to control its impulsive behaviour, especially those that are forbidden by society or deemed taboo, such as sex and aggression. The Superego holds an individual’s moral values and understanding of social norms and strives to cultivate its ideal version of itself.įreud argues that these three constructs are in constant ‘internal conflict’ and determine our psyche. The Ego encompasses rational thought and quells the Id’s irrational demands with reality. The Id being the primitive, unconscious part of one’s personality that is devoid of any reality or moral compass its only objective is to seek pleasure. The theory of personality is one of Freud’s most influential and enduring theories of psychoanalysis and argues that the human psyche is made up of three components the ‘Id’, the ‘Ego’ and the ‘Superego’. As the artist plays a unique dual role of being both the subject and creator, glimpses of their intimate psychology are often revealed in their work. Consequently, an artist’s pursuit for aesthetically pleasing portraits gradually gave way to experimenting with the depiction of their own image, and self-portraits evolved into a form of self-exploration. The ability to use oneself as a model was also economical. This shift was partly due to the cheap manufacturing of mirrors that became more accessible and wide-spread. Illustrating an artist’s ability to capture likeness, as well as elevating or highlighting their Renaissance that self-portraiture became a tool for self-promotion and cultivation Typically used as a means of reference or for educational purposes. Historically, self-portraiture dates back centuries to ancient Mesopotamia and was

By applying Freud’s theory, the show illustrates the extent and importance that the human psyche plays when artists tackle themselves as their subject matter. This exhibition explores self-portraiture through Sigmund Freud’s psychoanalytical theory of personality, in order to gain a deeper insight into both the conscious and subconscious states of mind of some of the most celebrated artists from the 20th and 21st Century. Omer Tiroche Gallery is pleased to announce its forthcoming exhibition, Id, Ego and Superego: An Investigation of Self-Portraiture.