19/12/2022
As part of his talk for Living Pictures, Nap Jamir II recreated his Auto Retrato #1 which he originally created in 1974. He shared with us that he can't find the original works and their corresponding negatives as well.
Initiating the concept of the series, Auto Retrato #1 involved breaking the fourth wall where Nap physically teared portions of the printed photo. In Auto Retrato #2, blood flowed out by applying his actual blood on some of the photos. In the restored work acquired by Singapore's National Collection, he used a chemical solution for safety and conservation reasons.
Here's an excerpt of Nap's statement about the Auto Retrato series:
"This multi-frame photographic work, together with Auto Retrato #1, were the first works of mine exhibited in a gallery.
It was part of the inaugural group show in the artist-run space The Sanctuary Gallery in 1974.
This self-portrait reveals the two directions of my photographic exploration at that time.
First, merging my interest in cinema by going beyond the traditional single frame photograph and telling my story in a series of images.
Second, breaking the two-dimensional concept of a photograph by physically cutting the surface and letting a blood-like liquid flow on its surface and down the wall of the gallery."
Auto Retrato #2 and #3 are currently on view at National Gallery Singapore as part of Living Pictures. The show runs until August 20, 2023.
Auto Retrato #3 can also be viewed on our website:
https://www.luzviminda.ph/collections/nap-jamir-ii/series/auto-retrato-no-3-1974?view=thumbnails
