Raimond de Weerdt is an artist based in Lismore. Raimond produces both photographic and video work that has been exhibited in Australia, Canada and Europe. He is also a founding member of Facing Australia, a long-running project that creates photographic and video works that reflect upon identity, history, place and community.
As a consequence of recent lockdown periods, many of us began to reflect on ourselves and our position in the world. With the ubiquitous use of video conferencing, Skype, House-Party, Zoom, WhatsApp, Tik Tok and FaceTime, we were looking at our faces on a screen more than ever. These technological mediated pictures of ourselves bring our attention to our own flaws more frequently. We are noticing our odd teeth, wrinkles, bad hair and strange expressions. The transformation that takes place in ourselves when viewing a streamed self-image can make us feel insecure and doubtful, These feelings become amplified when the casual reassurance and positive affirmations, usually obtained from face to face engagement with other human beings, is missing.
The video work YOU ARE, provides a counter-measure to self-doubt, depression and other associated troubles with selfhood to assist with the re-emergence of the self after lockdown.
