On 17 September, a collective, jury-selected, and curated exhibition titled ‘Autoportrait without a Subject’ opened at the Razvid Gallery, presented by the Toy and Doll Section of ULUPUH.
The exhibition brings together the works of 18 artists, who, through various artistic approaches, explore the contemporary understanding of the self-portrait, moving away from the classic depiction of one’s own face and body.
Rather than a direct representation of the self, the artist’s presence is transferred into a doll, a figure, a mask, a costume, an object, a material, or a trace of memory. Thus, the self-portrait becomes something constructed indirectly, through selected forms and materials, rather than through a faithful reflection of the author’s likeness.
The opening presented a variety of artistic poetics and interpretations of the common theme. The range spans from highly personal and introspective works to those that view the self-portrait through the lens of humour, the alter ego, childhood, profession, everyday objects, and the relationship with the viewer.
The medium of the doll proved particularly compelling, as it functions simultaneously as an independent artefact and as a potential body brought to life through movement. It is precisely this duality that allows the artists to transfer their presence onto an object that exists both in its own right and as a bearer of personal identity.
The exhibition remains open until 10 October 2026.
