Image via Complex Original
It's no surprise to anyone that Kim Kardashian, a woman notorious for taking photos of herself, secured an art book deal with big-time publisher Rizzoli, filled with nothing but selfies. Kim recently teased the DONDA-designed book cover of the cheekily-titled Selfish via Instagram, because of course she would.
In honor of Kim K's new venture, we put on our art critic hats to examine the cultural merit of and technique behind Mrs. West's selfies—because obviously, there is plenty of both. We also made sure to turn off our filter. Here are Kim Kardashian's Best Selfies, Reviewed By an Art Critic.
Title of work: “Bro Sis bonding”
March 30, 2014
The title of work is a triple entendre. Not only does Kim allude to the fact that Brody Jenner is literally her "brother from another mother," but he is also the embodiment of a typical "bro." The basic bitch duckface makes us question our own mortality, simultaneously making the audience think: "stars, they're just like us!" but also: "what have I done with my life?"
Title of work: “Célfie”
Sept. 5, 2014
This is what the democratization of fashion has come to, Kim Kardashian turning the flashing lights on herself in an extravagant dress by lauded French fashion house Céline. One can almost hear Kanye West looking at this photo and softly saying to himself: "And my chick in that new Phoebe Philo."
Title of work: “#Todays look- #AlaiaBodysuit #AlaiaSkirt #TomFordHeels”
March 3, 2014
In photography, there is a notion called the rule of thirds, in which the most eye-catching parts of the photo should be placed not in the center, but on the imaginary lines dividing the middle of the photograph. Clearly, the iconoclastic Mrs. Kardashian-West took this closet mirror photo to show she is aware of the rule, but ignores it completely, because how else is she supposed to fit in her massive shoe collection?
Title of work: “baby love”
April 6, 2013
The inevitability of life is examined here. Death and Rebirth—Kim reminds us that we are all subject to its never-ending cycle.
Title of work: “Peek a boo”
Aug. 8, 2014
A play on pattern and words is exhibited here. The viewer's eye is tempted to look everywhere and anywhere, though the artist is clearly referring to the fact that the twins are getting more of a tan than usual.
Title of work: “#Family #MalibuDayz”
Oct. 29, 2014
Nostalgia is a powerful theme in art, evoking memories of a space we will never forget, but can never inhabit again. The audience is forced to come to terms with the loss of their respective #MalibuDayz, which in the Kardashian era, is characterized by a fully put-together Bruce Jenner. So goes the patriarch, so goes the #Family.
Title of work: Tonight's look- #calvinklein #tomford
March 20, 2014
This diptych combines the seductive powers of red to lure the viewer in. The artist's Calvin Klein dress clearly pays homage to the crimson works of Mark Rothko.
Title of work: “Kissing Face Emoji”
Dec. 15, 2014
By cropping out her child, Kim causes the viewer to reflect on the bondage and commitments of motherhood. Plus, she was just feeling her look, can she live?!
Title of work: “My MCM goes to my BFF & husband! Miss you baby! #HurryHome #GoodLuckTonight”
Dec. 1, 2014
A quiet picture of romance and unspoken desire. The artist instead focuses on her patron and muse for inspiration.
Title of work: “these girls”
Nov. 21, 2013
At a another gallery performance, Kim uses her artistry to pay respects to the spirit of camaraderie.
Title of work: “Today's Look- #KardashianKollectionCroppedTurtleneck #VintageAlaiaDress #AlaiaHeels”
March 12, 2014
By taking her face out of the photo, the artist creates a dialog between democratization of style for the masses against traditional and oligarchic dominance.
Title of work: “It's just a wig! Looks so real though right?”
June 25, 2014
With this piece, Kim Kardashian breaks the fourth wall with the viewer, asking them to challenge the authenticity of the image itself.
Title of work: “Three Heart Emojis”
March 8, 2013
A “klose-up” look at the form of the human lip. The framing of the photograph suggests the artist wants us to always keep one eye open, a tale of caution in an increasingly dangerous world.
Title of work: “#up”
July 6, 2014
As the saying goes, “If man was meant to fly, he'd have been born with wings.” Alas, this was before man created the “Uber chopper.” Or perhaps, the artist is making a reference to the irreverent Pixar film.
Title of work: “We're in these dunes…”
Nov. 23, 2014
While in Dubai, the artist explores the natural landscape, paying homage to both the scenery and the culture around the geographic location.
Title of work: “Happy Birthday to the funniest, most down to earth guy I know!!! I can't wait to celebrate with you next week!!!! I love you so much !!!!”
Sept. 13, 2014
Kim reflects on a man who has greatly assisted in her own artistic transformation, with a candid look at her personal relationship with a fellow creative.
Title of work: “Just finished my morning workout”
May 13, 2014
A triptych of repeating images emphasizes the artist's personal study into perfecting the female form.
Title of work: “YeezusTour”
Oct. 27, 2013
This begs the question, what if a celebrity's girlfriend, is also a celebrity herself?
Title of work: “Love her”
Feb. 25, 2013
The battle between age and beauty is dissected in this black-and-white image.
Title of work: “about last night #Givenchy #Ibiza”
Aug. 3, 2014
Kim points her lens at the various states of disarray that is caused when one “turns up.”
Title of work: “#DateNight”
Dec. 7, 2014
The setting of the image implies it is a commentary on modern grooming—further analysis shows that is a play between natural colors and transparency.
Title of Work: “#WorldSeries #Barry Bonds”
Oct. 26, 2014
The artist and her husband stand still between a smiling former champion. The image embodies the transition of success from one generation to another.
Title of work: “Parisian nights with Olivier Rousteing”
May 21, 2013
Paris, art capital of the world, plays host to this warm, inviting frame. The presence of Rousteing is a clear indication of Kim's artistic progression into the “Kimye-era” of her personal artistic development.
Title of work: “Bathroom selfie wearing Kardashian Kollection in Sears now”
July 7, 2014
This piece questions the interplay of capitalism and commerce in the art world.
Title of work: “Good morning”
Jan. 29, 2014
With colors referencing the time of day mentioned in the title of the piece, this work shows the optimism the artist often displayed in the “early-North West” period.
Title of work: “Danced all night with my girls"
Dec. 30, 2012
The artist's playful, “tongue out” pose underscores a commentary on the benefits of friendship.
Title of work: “Untitled”
Oct. 6, 2014
Subtle text within the frame hides the meaning of the image in plain sight of the viewer.
Title of work: “K3”
Oct. 8, 2014
The first chapter of a study focusing on selective breeding and the power of sisterhood, but also a textbook case in middle child syndrome. The artist exhibits a subconscious need to be the center of attention, demonstrated by the focused stare in her eyes and the pouty face, which immediately cries to the audience for help.
Title of work: “Sisters”
Jan. 9, 2015
The continuation of a study of selective breeding and generational ties. This work confronts the inevitability of the youth eventually taking the reins from the elders, slowly beating them back behind the curtain of irrelevance. The artist places herself in the middle, a knowing place since she represents the conduit between her family and the public space they inhabit.
Title of work: “#ElevatorKiss”
Aug. 11, 2014
A physical art piece: an intimate romantic moment, played out in a public space.
Title of work: “My date tonight
Oct. 1, 2013
Artists are always involved, in one way or another, in each others' lives. This piece focuses on artist interaction.
Title of work: “Sneak peek Oscar party glam Dress- Celia Kritharioti. Jewels-Lorraine Shwartz”
March 2, 2014
Red is used to guide the viewer through the frame, with strong, deliberate, perspective control.
Title of work: “Bathroom selfie right before Yeezus hits the stage”
Nov. 29, 2013
Like a preacher before he speaks to his congregation, this is an intimate look at an religious figure in a private space.
Title of work: Getting ready for Late Night With Seth Meyers! Tune into NBC tonight!
March 25, 2014
A visual study in monument building.
Title of work: “Awe!!!!”
March 8, 2014
A lord dutifully acknowledges the affections of a peasant in this piece.
Title of work: “Praying Hands Emoji”
Jan. 4, 2014
Combining symmetry and functioning with a near monochromatic color palette, Mrs. Kardashian-West challenges us to enjoy the beauty of natural geometry.
Title of work: “#MyIdol”
Dec. 10, 2013
Looking backward, the artist substitutes color for duplicity and repetition in order to honor those who have shaped her creative past.
Title of work: “Rise & Shine”
April 21, 2013
Clearly, the artist uses a normal household light to create a mock sunlight effect, not only shaping the color story in the image, but creating a halo around Kim's head—hinting at religious undertones.
Title of work: “Side chicks be like….”
Aug. 2, 2014
Monitoring the sleeping form, the artist parodies those who have come before her and attempted to replace her.
Title of work: “#NoFilter”
Oct. 17, 2013
Kim, as an artist, strips the frame down to the basics, removing any filter information to reveal her greatest work yet. Arguably the artist's greatest work to date.