The Naked Self

When was the last time you looked at your body? I mean, really looked. I’m not talking about the quick glance you get in change rooms, or the slight peek you always have when you’re about to step in and out of the shower. When was the last time you peeled away each layer and stared at your own reflection, thinking about the entity attached to your thoughts.

Enter The Naked Self, an exhibition that focuses on the concept of body and the small personal differences that define them. Started by Michelle Lee and Tanya Dickson, the show is a curation of anonymous two-minute-long audio portraits, with the snippets categorised into 6 different sections: confession, regrets, time, unique, inheritance and beauty. If the audio tracks inspire your bravery or confidence enough as a listener, then you also have the chance to strip down into your birthday suit and record a self portrait of your own. They provide you with a virtual guide and a private booth to record your story, along with the knowledge that your donation will then be added into the mix of other voices.

I was originally told to spare around 30 minutes to allow enough time to fully immerse myself in the experience, and to consume a good portion of the recordings. However, over an hour later, I’m still in the same seat listening to all the diverse expressions and declarations, mulling over each story with fascination. Some anecdotes are poignant, eliciting moments of reliability, while others are funny and facetious, making me chuckle out loud. But most importantly, I found them all to be relevant, despite the different ages and genders. All these recordings highlighted the sensitivities of bodies as not only a physical manifestation, but also a mentally internal and private reflection.

My favourite part overall though, was the concept of being able to add into the collection of audio portraits. After spending a decent amount of time pondering over the tracks themselves, my friend – who came to the gallery with me – excitedly told me that she wanted to record a reflection and that I should do it, too. Reluctance would have been an understatement. I didn’t hate the idea, I just hated being naked in a strange room, looking at myself with god knows what type of lighting. Yet, despite my concerns, my friend went into the mysterious room and then pushed me inside 10 minutes later, after she had finished.

The environment surprised me. I was expecting them to shove me into a cubical, tell me to throw off my clothes and go ham with the record button. Instead, you’re lead through almost a form of guided meditation. A voice talks gently to you through your headphones, testing the microphone, making sure you’re comfortable and asking you some questions so that you can twist some words out for the tapes. It was a pleasant experience, one that was adapted with the idea of composure and privacy for those who wanted to express themselves in secret.

Ultimately, I had a wonderful time consuming the different pieces of auditory and even more so recording mine. I walked out with a better understanding and appreciation, not only of my own bodily experiences, but also the knowledge that others might have experienced the same thing. The Naked Self is sensitive, gentle and profound in its ability to sculpt visuals from words, but most of all it also allows listeners the freedom to do the same for future visitors.

The Naked Self 
Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne
artshouse.com.au/events/the-naked-self-2