In 2016, Liam Herne took part in the Exhibition Development Program, Brisbane. As a direct result of his participation, he was chosen to present a solo exhibition at POP Gallery the following year.

SELFLESS is a new body of work which reinterprets the selfie using new media, drawing and traditional photography. The selfie has become one of the most popular forms of exhibitionism today. It allows the taker of the image the chance to present their looks and lifestyle to the world in a way that satisfies their ego.

Herne’s aim is to decontextualize the selfie using various processes whilst simultaneously provoking a dialogue on our own identity and how we share it with others. By repeatedly taking the same stylised photographs of oneself do we actually display any of our true personality?

This exhibition was an outcome of the Flying Arts Alliance Exhibition Development Program in partnership with QCA Galleries and was Herne’s first solo show in Brisbane. He has since gone on to exhibit again with Flying Arts, and has become a member of the Flying Arts Artist team.

From the Artist: On the Value of the Exhibition Development Program

I decided to take part in the Exhibition Development program as I wanted to improve my exhibition plans and proposals in order to secure a solo show at some point in the future.  Attending the course showed me that whilst I was doing most of the right things when applying for exhibitions, there was definitely a lack of refinement in my proposal writing – nothing really setting me apart from other artists.  The Exhibition Development Program made me reflect on how I write about my practice and how I could be more professional when marketing my artwork and myself as an artist.

When I found out I had been selected to exhibit my work I was really excited and happy as I didn’t expect to be chosen.  The opportunity to exhibit in such a great space like POP Gallery was a valuable experience.

On a personal level, securing my first solo show has given a lot more confidence in my ability, and a hunger to exhibit my work as much as I can.  Professionally, I think the course has given me core skills that I will use throughout my artistic career as well as opening up other opportunities such as exhibiting at the Other Art Fair in Sydney and becoming a Flying Arts Workshop Facilitator.

Learn more about Liam on his Facebook page.

Image Credits: Artworks by Liam Herne. Photographer: Kerryanne Farrer.