self-representation

noun

self-rep·​re·​sen·​ta·​tion ˌself-ˌre-pri-ˌzen-ˈtā-shən 

-zən-

plural self-representations

: the act or an instance of representing oneself: such as

a

: an artistic likeness or image of oneself

Social media self-representations can be a site for creativity, showcasing photography, clothing ensembles, hair and make-up, making memes and so on.

—Kate Douglas

The exhibit organizes about 50 paintings into four thematic sections exploring black histories, experiences and self-representations.

—Pamela Reynold

b

: the act or action of serving as one's own lawyer in a legal matter especially in court

a person's right to self-representation

Experts say financial considerations are at the heart of most self-representations, since legal aid frequently will not cover costs when someone is being tried for a minor offence and can't always be counted on when more serious charges are at play.

—Michelle McQuigge

Note: In legal terminology, a person who engages in self-representation can be said to be acting pro se or in propria persona.

Examples of self-representation in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Carlos Villa Just as in the work of seminal photographers like Graciela Iturbide or Louis Carlos Bernal, Chavarria’s design practice is rooted in a politics of self-representation. —Guy Trebay, Town & Country, 26 Feb. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above