A Virtual Network Event:

On Saturday 21 November, the National Saturday Club network came together for a special talk exploring ideas of self-expression.

An exciting line-up of guest speakers represented all Saturday Club subject strands and each gave an insight into their own perspective on ‘Expressions of Self’.

As well as sharing their expertise and how self-portraiture features in their own work, the guests encouraged Club members to think creatively about ‘the self’ and the many ways in which ‘self’ can be portrayed.

What did the speakers have to say…

 

 Bryony Leighton

“Even 36,000 years ago, people had this real desire to leave images of themselves, to leave their mark on the world in a visual way”

Bryony Leighton is an art historian who teaches ‘A’ level students and young people from all over the world – as well as lecturing at the University of Oxford.

 

 Jemisha Maadhavji

“Even a few lines can identify that it is you. Really think about what makes you yourself, makes you special and makes you stand out”

Jemisha Maadhavji is a figurative painter who explores individuals from different cultural backgrounds, personalities and gender, through symbolism and narrative.

 

 Matty Bovan

“Exploring your own identity and your own image should be fun. It should be exciting. It should be interesting.”

York-based fashion designer Matty Bovan, a graduate of Central Saint Martins, has worked with a host of brands, presenting his latest collection in a 19th century chapel.

 

 Gillian Forrester

“One of the ways to investigate who we are is to look at the way we develop over time. From your birth, to this very moment”

Research Scientist at Birkbeck, University of London, Gillian Forrester specialises in the study of evolutionary psychology and behavioural science, and also founded the ‘Me, Human’ project.

 

 Libby Page

“Writing about the self is a really great way to capture you in this moment”

Sunday Times bestselling author of The Lido, The 24-Hour Café and The Island, Libby Page has also campaigned for fairer internships, and worked as a journalist at the Guardian.