Self-portrait by Robert Mercer

Robert Mercer was born in Ireland and immigrated with his family to Melbourne, Australia. His art practice has centred on video, photo-media and installation, the position of contemporary art in post-modern societies, and the relevance of art practices in cross cultural communications.

Research into the role of autobiography in contemporary art has led to exhibitions both nationally and internationally.

Through the process of reshaping and re-evaluating a collection of photographic imagery Robert has attempted to negotiate a place and cultural identity of a diasporic person: a person who has moved between people, cultures and landscapes.

Speaking of his practice Robert states “It is the allegorical nature of reading a text through another that is a central aspect of my art practice.”

The self portrait was taken in the studio and is a hand manipulated polaroid. During the very short development period, the soft film is manipulated and drawn into using various tools, including found objects. It’s then scanned and enlarged digitally for print.