Capstone Thesis: The Un-Instagramable Self
Concept: The Un-Instagramable Self is a 110-page book and social initiative that explores the hidden parts of identity and life as individuals self-narrate and contribute to visual culture in the digital age of Instagram. The concept was inspired by Tara Westover’s 2019 Northeastern Commencement Address, about the alienating experience of over identifying with the idealized self and the importance of embracing the un-edited self. Using narrative interviewing and applying Carl Jung’s Theory of Archetypes and Erving Goffman’s Dramaturgical Theory, it looks at how narrating elements of the Un-Instagramable self can affect acceptance of self and others, and can impact visual culture. From 23 interviews, The Un-Instagramable Self gives a peak behind the curtain to the hidden side of individuals’ identities. It offers a collection of short stories and visuals to expand on concepts of self in the digital age, while appreciating all human experiences including the mundane, repressed, and underrepresented with the broader purpose of furthering notions of self-acceptance and inclusion in visual culture and society.
Concept, research and interviews, curation, layout design, and select artwork by Shauna Curran. Submitted photographs credited.