Here, we ask an artist to frame the essential details behind one of their latest works.
Bio: Ron Norsworthy, 58, Connecticut and New Jersey.
Title of work: Narcissus in Rollers, 2024
Where to see it: “I, Narcissus” at Edwynn Houk Gallery (745 Fifth Avenue, New York), fromNov.14–Dec. 21
Three words to describe it: Infinite self-love.
What was on your mind at the time: This work, like others from this body of 11, is a contemplation on narcissism, and wondering “what’s wrong with falling deeply in love with oneself?” Like all of my collaged relief work, I’m usually functioning from a visceral emotional consciousness when I’m sourcing images for a composition.
The figure depicted in this picture is actually a young friend who posted a selfie (sans accessories) on Instagram. When I saw it in his feed, I was immediately struck by the intimacy of this captured moment of self-regard. With his blessing, I created this composition with the idea of capturing a pure instance of falling in love with oneself.
The final image is built up from his original posted image, with the hair, rollers, accessories and background all composited into the composition from various pictorial Fragments—culturally encoded allegorical signifiers—that say different things to different people about beauty and adornment. His reflective sunglasses deflect the gaze of the viewer and his impassive expression forever obscures whatever he may be thinking about his visage. The figure is exclusively looking at himself into infinity. It’s an unbothered closed loop of self-love.
An interesting feature that’s not immediately noticeable: The discreet tattoo, half in shadow, half in light. James Baldwin’s brilliant writing and oratory is central to the themes this work engages. It’s as urgently relevant now as it ever was, and he’s a personal hero who played a seminal role in helping shape my understanding of my intersectional identities of Black, queer, artist, and American.
How it reflects your practice as a whole: My practice is very much about rendering visual my thoughts and the emotional moments that they elicit. It reflects my ongoing pursuit of connection, sharing the personal to express the universal and vice versa.
One song that captures its essence: There’s never just one. “I Want You” by Marvin Gaye and “Thinking of You” by Sister Sledge.
