Anne Arden McDonald

Website

Untitled Self Portrait #3, Connecticut, 1987

Untitled Self Portrait #55, Ohio, 1994

Untitled Self Portrait #29, Massachusetts, 1990

This is my favorite self portrait artist.  This quote from her sums up so much

“My images serve as visual metaphors for struggles we face every
day; tensions and balances, keeping hope alive against the obstacles,
and living in a vulnerable way without being crushed” (Ann
Arden McDonald)

Anne Arden McDonald (1966- ) was born in London, but grew up in

Atlanta, Georgia. She created a body of self portraits between the

ages of 15 and 30. She would build installations in the landscape or

abandoned interiors and make private performances for her camera

in these spaces.

The work of Anne Arden McDonald has become hugely influential

on me. I am drawn to her ability to communicate such a large range

of emotions in her imagery. Her images suggest fear, loneliness,

joy and hope to me. She seems to clearly speak to the viewer. I believe that this is because of the honesty she reveals in her work.

This idea keeps me striving to be as open as I can as I photograph.

It reminds me that I am only hindering myself if I am holding back.

I also look to her work as an example of the artist engaging with

the scene. She has chosen to photograph herself in landscapes or

abandoned places, each place she seems to have a strong connection

to.

Her images are full of mystery, but also seem very purposeful.

This allows the viewer to create his or her own story as he or she

pleases to relate to her work.