ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Amalia Ulman: Instagram Performance Artist on Identity and Social Media

artist · 2026-05-05

Born in 1989, Amalia Ulman is an Argentine artist who splits her time between Gijón and Los Angeles. Her work is part of the group exhibition 'Performing the Camera' at Tate Modern, where she critiques the narcissism prevalent in contemporary society, especially in relation to women as objects of entertainment. A feminist at heart, she delves into themes of identity, beauty, and social class. Ulman rose to prominence with her 2014 Instagram performance 'Excellence&Perfection,' which garnered over 65,000 followers. Although she considers social media a form of art, she does not have internet access at home. Her 2013 iOS app, Ethira, aimed at fostering genuine expression, was discontinued due to a lack of interest. She observed that her performances elicited strong reactions, with women discreetly seeking advice on cosmetic surgery.

Key facts

  • Amalia Ulman is an Argentine artist born in 1989, raised in Spain, based in Los Angeles and Gijón.
  • Her work is currently in the group exhibition 'Performing the Camera' at Tate Modern, London.
  • Ulman's art explores identity, social issues, beauty, and class, often through a feminist lens.
  • Her 2014 Instagram performance 'Excellence&Perfection' ran for five months and gained over 65,000 followers.
  • The performance depicted a fictional narrative of a young girl moving from suburbs to city.
  • Ulman created the iOS app Ethira in 2013, where messages disappear after seconds; it was withdrawn due to low adoption.
  • She stated she does not have internet at home and does not care about social media.
  • Women followers privately asked about surgical procedures, revealing their fear and lack of freedom.
  • Ulman's iconography includes pearls, hearts, glitter, and motivational slogans.
  • She describes her research method as that of a flâneur, observing everyday beauty in urban spaces.

Entities

Artists

  • Amalia Ulman

Institutions

  • Tate Modern
  • Arcadia Missa
  • Artribune

Locations

  • Argentina
  • Spain
  • Los Angeles
  • Gijón
  • London

Sources