The Self-Portrait Series explores cultural identity and heritage. Lisa Vollmer photographs herself in various countries wearing a traditional german dress called a “Dirndl”. What does it mean to be german in Japan? What historical implications and present day relations exist? The red color of the dress symbolizes women’s empowerment and protection. The process of creating the images resembles that of a performance often taking place at a world heritage site or a busy city street. Lisa Vollmer is especially interested in what happens when East meets West.“I continue to learn about the world and grow as a person using this project as an opportunity for greater understanding and cultural exchange”.
Lisa Vollmer started the self-portrait series when she was a student at the
School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the late 1990’s before what we now call the selfie.
It was after working on a series of portraits taken at the Chicago International O’Hare airport that she discovered her passion for photography as it relates to the public. Using her camera to learn more about people and their identity. Creating images that explore nationality and stereotypes.
Okunoin Cemetery, Koyasun Japan, 2019