Narcissism

This essay went way over my head, so this attempt at an analysis was a struggle and probably won't make any sense.

This essay presents an intriguing overall theme of sorts through out the entire paper: narcissism as a psychological condition vs. a physical condition and the relationship between the viewer and artists self and the work. Obviously narcissism is a psychological state however in the examples of work presented there is a separation of self and reflection that creates a projected visual of narcissism, usually with the device of a mirror. The mirror projects an exact replica of the viewer, therefore establishing a second reality that is physically detached from the original, so one is able to view or analyze oneself as an art piece almost. Here where the viewer becomes the subject, narcissism is presented because now the viewer or artist in some cases is completely absorbed in themselves, this is also present in the audio feedback loops that are slightly delayed to allow for examination. Krauss says it best when he describes the situation as self-encapsulation. My favorite example of this is mem and dor. Here, there is a constant relationship between the camera, projector, wall, and viewer. The camera is place so that in both pieces the viewer struggles to see themselves projected but is unable to because the must either be leaving the room or up against a wall for the camera to register them and project a clear picture, so the viewer is constantly struggling and and rearranging themselves to see an unattainable image of them self, an action of narcissism, that presents a physical example for the viewer to realize. The essay also discusses the difference between subject and object. Subject being the meaning or intention of the piece, what the art is about and the object being the actual visual presented. In all of the examples Krauss presents the subject and the object are one person the viewer/artist (depending on which piece) creating the study of oneself, or self encapsulation (narcissism). This essay and these pieces not only create a situation in which we must analyze our self but also present the idea of how comfortable we are in doing so and the urge as well, a reflection of the attitudes of today's society where everyone lives for themselves.