The Camera I: Photographic Self-Portraits from the Audrey and Sydney Irmas Collection

Trendy sophistication of title, design and interpretation mark this startling catalogue of a traveling exhibition of an unusual photographic art form. ``Self-portraiture is ultimately a confrontation with the self's mortality,'' writes Sobieszek, curator of photography at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. The 149 images span photography's history and crown a 15-year effort by collectors Audrey and Sydney Irmas, here chronicled by their daughter Deborah. Offerings encompass Nadar and Roger Fenton posing as exotic travelers, Stieglitz and Steichen going for mood, Andre Kertesz intermingling with female nudes and Diane Arbus appearing seminude and pregnant in a shot she took to show her husband overseas that she was pregnant. Altogether a visual treat, which includes a picture checklist with brief biographies. (Nov.)