Es Devlin's latest installation, a collaborative project with Google Arts & Culture Lab, is a bold attempt to unite the UK through the medium of selfies. The artist's vision is to create a collective portrait of Britain, one that transcends the political and social divisions that currently plague the country. This ambitious project, titled 'A National Portrait for the National Portrait Gallery', invites people across the UK to upload a selfie, which is then transformed into a portrait in Devlin's distinctive style. The result is a mesmerizing carousel of faces, constantly evolving and revolving, creating a sense of intimacy and connection. But what makes this installation truly remarkable is the artist's intention behind it. Devlin hopes to foster a sense of coexistence and acceptance among the British public, a sentiment that resonates deeply in a time of increasing atomization and loneliness. However, the project is not without its contradictions. While Devlin is critical of the use of artists' work to train AI systems, she has willingly offered her own artistic 'shadow' to a technology company. This raises questions about the role of artists in the digital age and the potential for technology to both divide and unite us. The installation is a powerful statement on the importance of human connection and the need to resist the fragmentation and isolation that characterize our modern world. It is a call to action, inviting us to reconsider our national identity and the ways in which we interact with one another. Personally, I find the project's focus on attention and the act of really looking at one another to be particularly fascinating. In a world where we are constantly bombarded with information and distractions, Devlin's installation offers a rare and precious opportunity to sit quietly with another human being and truly see them. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of human connection and the need to resist the fragmentation and isolation that characterize our modern world. What makes this installation even more compelling is the personal stories of those who have contributed to it. Ravinder Tagarh, a 26-year-old security guard at the gallery, found his portrait on the walls of the National Portrait Gallery to be an emotional and transformative experience. Seeing his own face alongside those of the king, queen, and celebrities like Harry Styles and Marcus Rashford made him feel seen and part of the country, rather than an outsider. This is a powerful testament to the potential of art to connect people and foster a sense of community. In conclusion, Es Devlin's installation is a bold and inspiring project that offers a glimmer of hope in a time of division and loneliness. It is a reminder of the power of art to connect people and foster a sense of community, and a call to action for us to reconsider our national identity and the ways in which we interact with one another. From my perspective, this installation is a powerful statement on the importance of human connection and the need to resist the fragmentation and isolation that characterize our modern world.
