IN NOVEMBER 2022 I was invited to give a short talk about my work at the prestigious TEDx meeting in Arendal, on the south coast of Norway. The video of my talk has just been released and I have great pleasure in sharing it here (time: 15 mins approx)
The Eighteenth-Century Selfie
In the days before photography silhouettes were the only kind of self-image which most people ever saw. For this reason silhouettes were once extremely popular! This is the reason I like to refer to them as The Eighteenth Century Selfie. This became the title of my talk.
I began the talk by demonstrating how to cut a silhouette before going on the explore this popularity in relation to the fascinating, but now discredited pseudo-science of physiognomy. In the eighteenth century silhouettes were known as “profile portraits”. I explain how physiognomy led to the current dual meaning of the word profile: both the outline of your face and a short, written summary of who you are as a person.
If you can find 15 minutes to watch the talk I think you’ll be suitably entertained and educated! Please do leave a comment or review below.
That’s amazing Charles! It’s over ten years since you cut silhouettes of my party guests, and I’ve known you longer, but it still blows my mind every time I see you appear so nonchalant yet execute perfectly the cutting of a profile. A brilliant TED talk!
Thank you James, great to hear from you.
I thoroughly enjoyed your very engaging and informative talk. Your knowledge, enthusiasm and skill always enthralls me. An excellent talk. Well done and I look forward to your next production.
Thank you Andrew. I’d love to do more of these, do let me know of any suitable audiences!