Alba Zari's 'Fear of Mirrors' Examines Self-Representation in the Digital Age

Artist Alba Zari (Bangkok, 1987) has released a new photobook titled 'Fear of Mirrors,' published by Yogurt Editions and XYZ Books, curated by Francesco Rombaldi. The project investigates contemporary modes of self-representation—including 3D scans, filtered selfies, AI models, and avatars—and the psychological impact of digital image manipulation. The title references eisoptrophobia, the fear of mirrors, which affects celebrities like Pamela Anderson. Zari's work critiques how algorithms reinforce homogenizing beauty standards, accelerating trends from Kim Kardashian-inspired curves to extreme thinness. The book references the film 'The Substance' (2024) starring Demi Moore, and an article by Sophie Gilbert in The Atlantic titled 'Reclaim Imperfect Faces.' Zari explores the phenomenon of Snapchat Dysmorphia and TikTok's Bold Glamour filter, which led to age restrictions. The project questions whether digital liberalism is a high-definition version of patriarchy and whether the mirror has shattered or multiplied, trapping individuals in countless reflections. Zari does not offer solutions but invites open reflection on contemporary society.