Digital photographic print from original negative on archival Hahnemule matt fibre paper. Artist designed fluorescent live-edge Plexiglas frame
Size: 9.6 x 8.8 x 3.5 cm
Edition of 15, accompanied by a signed and numbered certificate
About the work
Jyll Bradley has created a special edition entitled Miniature Self-Portrait, 1987-2026 on the occasion of the exhibition ‘East of the Aldgate Pump’, part of the inaugural Backyard Biennial, 15 Jul – 6 Sep 2026.
Three years ago, Bradley re-discovered a set of self-portrait photographs, taken in her bedroom nearly 40 years ago when she was a young art student exploring her queer identity. These images were not shown at the time, and for Bradley they are both vulnerable and playful. Through the arc of time, the photographs encapsulate an essence of who she was – and still is. Bradley describes them as works of memory, adding that memories can sometimes overwhelm us in scale, and other times they are jewel-like treasures.
This exclusive edition for Whitechapel Gallery is inspired by historic miniature portrait paintings, intimate works that were often created as keepsakes for loved ones. Here, Bradley’s self-portrait is framed with green-fluorescent Plexiglas, a material often used in her larger sculptures. In doing so, she brings together her past artistic explorations with her current practice, honouring her younger self with her present self.
About the artist
Jyll Bradley (b.1966, UK) is a London-based artist whose multidisciplinary practice encompasses installation, photography, sculpture, film and performance. Drawing on the visual language of Minimalism, her work explores themes of light, community, identity and queer experience.
Jyll Bradley’s work is held in major collections including the Government Art Collection, UK; Arts Council Collection, UK; the Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, UK; The Faith Museum, UK and the National Library of Australia; as well as significant private collections internationally.
Selected Exhibitions
Selected solo exhibitions include: Running and Returning, The Box, Plymouth, UK, (2025); Pardes, The Fruitmarket Gallery, Edinburgh, UK (2021); Opening the Air and Other Stories, HS Projects, Howick Place, London, UK (2019); Currency, L’etrangere, London UK (2016); The friend I have/is a passionate friend, Mummery+Schnelle, London, UK (2014); City of Trees, The National Library of Australia, Canberra, Australia (2013); Lovers, neighbours, friends, artconnexion, Lille, France (2012); Airports for the Lights, Shadows and Particles, the Bluecoat, Liverpool, UK (2011); Naming Spaces, Newlyn Art Gallery (The Exchange), Penzance, UK (2010).
Public and outdoor installations by Bradley have included: Threshold, Kaunas, European Capital of Culture, Lithuania (2022); Dutch/Light, Sculpture in the City, London, UK (2019/21); Opening the Air, Sculpture in the City, London, UK (2018); Dutch/Light, Turner Contemporary, Margate, UK (2017/18); Green/Shade, Riverside projects, Hull, UK (2017); Le Jardin hospitalier, Hopital Roger Salangro, CHRU, Lille, France (2015); The Botanic Garden, The Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, UK (2008);
Whitechapel Gallery editions are generously donated by the artists. All proceeds from the sale of these works directly support our exhibition and education programmes.
As is traditional in editions publishing, prices will rise as an edition starts to sell out.
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£450.00
(Members £405.00)
