Why me? Artist's use of self image

The project created an alphabetically presented research database containing the names of over 340 artists worldwide who feature their own physical presence within the artworks they present. It is anticipated that this database will be of interest to artists, academics within the research community, the art media and art viewing public; specifically those interested in investigating and questioning cross cultural parallels between artist's use of self representation through diverse artistic practices. The database makes no distinction between the artist's commercial success, discipline, age, gender or nationality. The purpose of the purely alphabetical form of presentation is to invite the viewer to consider equally the legitimacy of the presented artforms, whether they be established or more marginalised art practices, and perhaps to ask themselves: Why is the artist's own participation central but not always identifiable? What elements of the artist's psychological self remains? How do these self images differ from the commercial depictions of identity promoted by commodity culture?