you're so vain...

...I best you think this post is about you, don't you, don't you..... la la la...

Actually it's not, unless you're a Babe -- a Dusty one that is.

The Dusty Babes Collective -- self-described as a "group of emerging artists.... negotiating multiple identities" -- are exploring the concept of vanity publishing in their brilliant pop up gallery presentation.

Each artist has a unique perspective on what constitutes vanity and they challenge the Carly Simon notion that vanity is merely self-centred and frivolous. In fact, if we think about it, our current obsession with social media -- from selfies to Instagram to Twitter to Facebook to, well, blogging -- is an expression of vanity; look at me! look at what I did! look at where I am or who I am with! Self-centred? yes. Frivolous? often. Interesting? infinitely.

So, has vanity, and vanity publishing specifically, been given a bad rap? Is it shameless self-promotion or bold self-expression? Let's see what The Babes say...

(un)tethered by Heather Lippold

Wallflowers by Angela Hopkins

May All Beings Be Happy, On Earth and in Space by Dana Vallee

Medieval Lady Writer by Amelia Butcher

A Navigation by Emily Ludington

Future Living Sweets by Sam Knopp

Diva by Carly Mucha

The audience participation portion of the gallery -- possibly the perfect backdrop for a selfie?

As well there was a captivating video by Katherine Neil entitled Covered Girl for which photos were not allowed. So, you'll just have to visit the gallery yourself to see that one! 

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