Today is #NationalSelfieDay, a social media “holiday” that celebrates an activity that some might call empowering, while others see it as the end of civilization as we know it. Whether you’re a Facetune obsessive or a reluctant poser, the effects of a generation defined by posting your own image—whether it be on an aspirational beach retreat, in a friendly embrace or standing in front of a work of art—is taking its toll; raising questions about how we define authenticity and concerns surrounding the disconnect between our Internet and IRL selves. In 2014 Amalia Ulman created a durational performance titled Excellences and Perfections, which many have defined as the first Instagram work of art. Ullman used her feed to play out three stereotypical female identities, defined as “cute girl”, “sugar baby” and “life goddess”, over several months, before revealing that the entire enterprise was not an “authentic” presentation of the artist’s life, but a work of art. Regarded as a hoax by some and a work of genius by others, it nevertheless raised vital questions about how we present ourselves online, and the “glitch” between the two realms most of us inhabit. Rosalind Duguid considers the work’s impact in its printed form, published by Prestel, in her review.
