How often have we come across any kind of comparison between a selfie and a self-portrait? The answer is seldom. While we see people of 21st Century indulging in taking their selfies quite effortlessly there are also others who spend time in doing self-portraits. But, we hardly spend time in pondering how a selfie is similar to or different from a self-portrait. Even avid art admirers who love to buy wall art, exquisite photos and paintings online seldom think about it. This post brings to you an interesting comparison between the two.

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The similarity between a selfie and a self-portrait lies in the very definition of these terms. In most layman terms, a selfie is a self-portrait taken with a smart phone or a digital camera. Both can be described as efforts at self-representation, that is, establishing and embellishing a definition of one’s self, although using different mediums.
While the similarity between the two is at a basic level, the differences are much deeper. A person may choose to represent himself or herself through a selfie or a self-portrait. However, self-portraits do not immediately signify selfies. This is because having a self-portrait requires a lot of intent, deliberation, and most importantly, a solid thought process. Self-portraits are things of proud possessions that people love to cherish for years. On the other hand, selfies are more prompt and impulsive and do not require much thought process or careful calculation. This is because we know that selfies can be replaced or erased once the purpose is over. Selfies are easily forgotten and replaced with new ones without any heart burn or low feeling.
Self-portraits involve so much more strong emotions and decisions than can be easily erased. The reason a self-portrait is cherished for years is not because it is more meaningful or beautiful than a selfie, but because it is meant to.
Another way to look at self-portraits and selfies as two different forms of self-representation is their interpretation, relevance, and context.  Self-portraits are created to be interpreted as art. This is the reason why we find them displayed in art galleries, exhibitions and museums. People are free to view them independent of the artist’s intent. However, there are also people who create self-portraits for reasons other than art. In either case, self-portraits are regarded as artistic and prized possessions.

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Selfies, on the other hand, are more conversational in nature. These images are often taken and shared as part of social interactions and in some context. These images are strongly connected to the selfie-taker at an intimate and felt level. It is thus difficult to look and interpret these images independent of the selfie-taker’s intent or felt emotion. Selfies promote active interactions and also generate response in the form of comments and selfies. However, it is good to remember that selfies may also become self-portraits, and both may also represent art.
While you take selfies every day, you can also buy popular wall art, photos and portraits online for your home. Just browse through the internet and you will get a plethora of options to purchase your favorite sculpture, paintings, and photos online.

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