The Selfless Mirror was designed with Marc Owens and Gregor Timlin as a follow on to my original floor standing version. It is a toy for two, which allows you to see yourself with someone else’s eyes. It encourages children (and adults) to confront an altered self-image.
In a culture where self image is increasingly shaped by consumption and celebrity culture the selfless mirror gives you the chance to break from the norm. At first shocking, and intriguing, the mirror gives endless fun manipulating and exchanging facial features. Trading expressions and building confidence, children learn through play that there is no norm and that imperfection and uniqueness are more endearing qualities than the bland perfection promoted by the domination of the cosmetics industry and contemporary media.
We are encouraged to look at others and think… I wish I had their lips or their eyes etc. But when you look thought the Selfless Mirror and see other peoples features on your face it can look weird and wrong. Every face is somehow balanced to be in harmony with itself and has its own unique beauty. The selfless mirror thus works as a good tonic for physical comparison, insecurity and envy.
It’s also a good laugh!
FREDDIE YAUNER is a World Record Holder.