"This collection of photographs began as a reference to comparing, contrasting, and noticing things about my identity and my unfolding aging. The self-portrait is a composition of structured forces and aspects of our developed knowledge of life. It is a guide toward 'Who am I?'"
Linda Troeller is a photographer whose works and projects on self-portraiture span seven incredible decades. "Silver Revolution: Self-portraiting," (August 22 - September 22, 2023) is the inaugural Online Solo Exhibition presented by Self Portraits On Fire - An Online Gallery for photographic art and artists.Â
As a self-portrait photo artist and curator of self-portrait photo-based art, I am enthralled by Troeller's self-portrait images and photographs. My sense of awe comes from the evocative nature instilled in her work. Her debut Online Solo Exhibition with Self Portraits On Fire ignites a spark and drives an unstoppable force for female liberation, empowerment, and agency.Â
Troeller's self-portraits are not about the female gaze or ageism. They challenge and subvert it through her personal lens. As Troeller states, "After years of taking my pictures, I found that my identity is neither uniform nor fixed. I am involved in challenges and shifts and influence of the marked important issues of this decade...." Her inner lens is consciously reflected through her self-presentation. Through her mindful, attentive, and thoughtful approach, she does not put herself on display as an object to be stared at. She presents herself as a subject to be dared at.
Her self-portraits are also about finding inner awareness through lived time and lived moments. Private intimacy and the human psyche are more than just explored, they are captured with individuality, courage, and strength. The undeniable catharsis felt through the observation of her self-portraiture transcends time itself, and has the power to connect people on deeper levels. Troeller's work is a visual diary; an amalgamation of all that has been discovered and experienced. As Troeller beautifully expresses, "...For me the click of the shutter is a kind of reassurance, a behavioral modification signal triggering 'more living is on its way.'" Troeller's work is a celebratory revolution of embracing one's inner evolution.
"In this time of my 7th decade my perceptions resonate with our culture and my photographs encourage women to be more recognized by their families, governments, and provided new realms of opportunity."
"After my M.S. and M.F.A. at Syracuse University I explored memory, TB and AIDS, water, women, sexuality, and community. My images call on private, subjective sensation in an often atmospheric and intimate style. These photographs are seen through my eyes from a time in photography I believe we might not wish to lose track of."
"Working with the psyche is much more than narcissistic exercise, though it can fulfill that role, too. I experimented with 'presenting' myself to the camera to gain possession of powerful self-hood. When I see a print or screen image of myself, it is something real, something physical, and something that increases awareness and mindfulness. Though many people now catch the unique power of the self in selfies, my evocative and emotional thought-out images still present a layer of observation in this work that adds a vital layer of reflection, experimentation, camera work, and depth to the collective new trend."
—> CONNECT WITH LINDA TROELLER:
Instagram: @lindatroeller
Website: www.LindaTroeller.com *Contact Linda to purchase 17x22" Giclee prints of her work! Sales price are $800 each.
—> SUBMIT TO THE GALLERY'S OPEN CALLS!
—> VIEW THE ONLINE SOLO EXHIBITION: "Silver Revolution: Self-portraiting."
Happy Creating!
Danielle Rackowski
Founder, Curator, &Â Gallery Director of Self-Portraits On Fire |Â Self-Portrait Photo Artist