Nafiza Shazia Aviedi

Self-Portrait in Dots is a two-part exploration of identity, repetition, and psychological space, inspired by the work of Japanese avant-garde artist Yayoi Kusama. Known for her immersive environments, polka-dot motifs, and themes of self-obliteration and mental illness, Kusama has long used repetition as a visual language to externalize personal trauma and emotional states. Her practice—rooted in obsessive detail and radical vulnerability—served as the foundation for this self-portrait series. The first piece is a hand-drawn self-portrait created using black pen on yellow paper, directly referencing Kusama’s iconic black-and-yellow palette. Drawn from life using a mirror, this analog portrait overlays the face, clothing, and background with intricate dot patterns and net-like textures, echoing Kusama’s signature fusion of self and surrounding space. The second portrait was created digitally using a limited palette of red, yellow, and black—colours often found in Kusama’s installations. While the facial structure remains naturalistic, the background and hair are stylized with flowing, layered polka dots, building a visual field that suggests both movement and infinity. Together, these portraits investigate how pattern can function as both concealment and revelation— masking identity while simultaneously expressing internal complexity. Through the visual language of Kusama, the project reimagines self-portraiture as something immersive, symbolic, and emotionally charged.