8.2 Cindy Sherman and her photographic self-portraits
9 min read•august 19, 2024
Cindy Sherman revolutionized photography with her conceptual self-portraits. Her work explores , , and , challenging traditional notions of representation. Sherman's iconic series, like Untitled Film Stills, transformed her into various female archetypes, critiquing media stereotypes.
Sherman's art spans decades, from early black-and-white film stills to later colorful, provocative works. Her influence on contemporary art is profound, inspiring generations of artists to use photography as a tool for social commentary and self-expression.
Cindy Sherman's background
- Cindy Sherman is an American photographer and film director, best known for her conceptual portraits
- Sherman's work explores themes of identity, gender roles, and societal expectations through self-portraiture
- Her photographs challenge traditional notions of representation and the male in art history
Early life and education
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- Born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey
- Grew up in a middle-class family and showed an early interest in art and photography
- Attended Buffalo State College, where she studied painting and photography
- Graduated with a B.A. in 1976
- Moved to New York City after college to pursue her artistic career
Influences and inspirations
- Influenced by the work of artists such as and
- Particularly interested in their use of appropriation and challenging traditional art forms
- Inspired by and the idea of challenging gender stereotypes through art
- Drew inspiration from popular culture, including films, television, and advertising
- Used these references to critique and subvert societal norms and expectations
Untitled Film Stills (1977-1980)
- Series of 70 black-and-white photographs featuring Sherman as various female film characters
- Considered Sherman's breakthrough work, establishing her as a major figure in contemporary art
- Explores themes of identity, gender roles, and the influence of media on self-perception
Concept and themes
- Each photograph depicts Sherman as a different female archetype from 1950s and 60s films
- Examples include the housewife, the seductress, and the ingénue
- Challenges the notion of a fixed, authentic identity by presenting multiple, constructed personas
- Critiques the limited and stereotypical roles available to women in media and society
- Raises questions about the relationship between reality and fiction, and the power of images to shape perceptions
Techniques and style
- Sherman used herself as the model, transforming her appearance through costumes, makeup, and wigs
- Photographs were carefully staged and composed to resemble film stills
- Used cinematic techniques such as dramatic lighting and camera angles
- Black-and-white format evokes the aesthetic of classic Hollywood films
- Deliberately left the photographs untitled to encourage open interpretation and avoid defining the characters
Impact and reception
- Untitled Film Stills series brought Sherman international acclaim and established her signature style
- Challenged traditional notions of authorship and originality in art by using herself as the subject
- Influenced the development of postmodern photography and the use of appropriation in art
- Series has been widely exhibited and collected by major museums worldwide
- Became one of the most expensive photographs ever sold at auction in 2014
Centerfolds/Horizontals series (1981)
- Series of 12 large-scale, color photographs depicting Sherman in various poses and settings
- Commissioned by Artforum magazine but ultimately rejected due to their provocative nature
- Explores themes of vulnerability, objectification, and the male gaze
Challenging gender stereotypes
- Photographs subvert the traditional centerfold format by presenting Sherman in vulnerable, unsettling poses
- Avoids the typical sexualized and idealized depictions of women in media
- Challenges the objectification of women's bodies and the power dynamics of the male gaze
- Raises questions about the relationship between photographer, subject, and viewer
Vulnerability and objectification
- Sherman's characters appear vulnerable and exposed, often with unsettling or ambiguous expressions
- Positions and settings suggest a sense of unease or potential threat
- Examples include a woman lying on a kitchen floor or curled up on a bed
- Highlights the ways in which women are objectified and stripped of agency in visual culture
Controversy and censorship
- The series was initially rejected by Artforum due to concerns about its controversial nature
- Magazine feared the images could be misinterpreted as pornographic or exploitative
- Sparked debates about censorship, artistic freedom, and the representation of women in art
- Eventually exhibited in other venues and became an important part of Sherman's oeuvre
- Helped establish her reputation as a provocative and boundary-pushing artist
Fashion photography and critiques
- Throughout her career, Sherman has engaged with fashion photography and the fashion industry
- Uses fashion as a tool to critique societal norms, consumerism, and the construction of identity
- Collaborates with designers and fashion magazines to create subversive and satirical images
Collaboration with designers
- Sherman has collaborated with various fashion designers and brands
- Examples include Comme des Garçons, Balenciaga, and Marc Jacobs
- Creates photographs that showcase the designers' clothing while also challenging fashion industry conventions
- Uses her signature style of transformation and exaggeration to create striking, unconventional images
Subverting fashion industry norms
- Sherman's fashion photographs often subvert the glamorous and idealized imagery typically associated with the industry
- Presents models in exaggerated, grotesque, or unsettling makeup and poses
- Challenges the notion of beauty and perfection promoted by fashion media
- Highlights the artificiality and constructedness of fashion photography and the industry as a whole
Satirical and provocative images
- Creates satirical and provocative images that critique consumerism and the commodification of identity
- Examples include her "Fashion" series (1983-1984) and "Chanel" series (2010-2013)
- Uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to expose the absurdities and excesses of the fashion world
- Raises questions about the role of fashion in shaping personal and collective identities
History portraits (1988-1990)
- Series of 35 large-scale, color photographs in which Sherman recreates famous portraits from art history
- Explores themes of identity, representation, and the canon of Western art
- Challenges the notion of originality and authenticity in art by appropriating and reinterpreting classic works
Reinterpreting classical paintings
- Sherman recreates portraits by artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael, and Fragonard
- Uses elaborate costumes, makeup, and props to transform herself into the subjects of the paintings
- Reinterprets the original works through a contemporary, feminist lens
- Highlights the gender dynamics and power structures embedded in the canon of Western art
- Raises questions about the relationship between the original artwork and Sherman's reinterpretation
Exploring identity and representation
- By casting herself as the subjects of famous portraits, Sherman explores the constructed nature of identity
- Challenges the idea of a fixed, essential self by presenting multiple, shifting personas
- Highlights the ways in which art history has shaped cultural notions of beauty, status, and power
- Critiques the limited and idealized representation of women in classical art
- Encourages viewers to reconsider their assumptions about identity and representation in art and society
Elaborate costumes and settings
- Sherman's history portraits feature elaborate costumes, makeup, and props that closely mimic the original artworks
- Pays meticulous attention to detail in order to create convincing recreations
- Uses a variety of techniques to achieve the desired effect, such as prosthetics, wigs, and digital manipulation
- Creates immersive, theatrical settings that transport the viewer into the world of the original painting
- Highlights the artificiality and constructedness of the image
Sex Pictures series (1992)
- Series of photographs featuring close-up images of anatomically correct dolls and prosthetic body parts
- Explores themes of sexuality, desire, and the objectification of the body
- Considered one of Sherman's most controversial and provocative series
Confronting taboos and fetishes
- Photographs depict explicit sexual acts and fetishes using dolls and prosthetics
- Examples include sadomasochism, bondage, and medical fetishes
- Confronts societal taboos and the repression of sexual desires
- Challenges the notion of "normal" or "acceptable" sexual behavior
- Raises questions about the relationship between fantasy and reality, and the role of media in shaping sexual desires
Mannequins and prosthetics
- Sherman uses anatomically correct dolls and prosthetic body parts to create surreal, unsettling images
- Presents fragmented, disembodied figures that challenge traditional notions of beauty and desire
- Highlights the artificiality and constructedness of sexual imagery in media and pornography
- Critiques the objectification and commodification of the body
- Creates a sense of unease and discomfort in the viewer, forcing them to confront their own assumptions and desires
Shock value and social commentary
- The explicit and provocative nature of the Sex Pictures series was intended to shock and provoke viewers
- Challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding sexuality and desire
- Uses shock value as a tool for social commentary and critique
- Highlights the ways in which sexual imagery is used to manipulate and control in media and advertising
- Raises questions about the relationship between art, pornography, and censorship
- Sparked debates about the role of controversial art in society
Later works and exhibitions
- In the later stages of her career, Sherman continued to explore new themes and techniques in her work
- Created series that commented on contemporary social issues and the role of the artist in society
- Held major retrospectives and exhibitions that solidified her place as one of the most important artists of her generation
Clowns series (2003-2004)
- Series of photographs featuring Sherman dressed as various clown characters
- Explores themes of identity, performance, and the grotesque
- Uses exaggerated makeup and costumes to create unsettling, disturbing images
- Comments on the role of humor and entertainment in society
- Highlights the ways in which clowns can be both amusing and terrifying
Society portraits (2008)
- Series of photographs depicting upper-class women in elaborate costumes and settings
- Critiques the excesses and superficiality of wealth and status
- Presents characters that appear both glamorous and grotesque, with exaggerated features and expressions
- Comments on the ways in which social class and status are performed and constructed
- Highlights the role of appearance and consumption in defining identity
Retrospectives and legacy
- Sherman has been the subject of numerous major retrospectives and exhibitions worldwide
- Examples include shows at (1997), the National Portrait Gallery (2019), and the Fondation Louis Vuitton (2020)
- Retrospectives have helped to solidify Sherman's place as one of the most important and influential artists of her generation
- Highlighted the breadth and depth of her work, and its ongoing relevance to contemporary art and society
- Sherman's legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists working in photography, performance, and beyond
Sherman's influence on contemporary art
- Cindy Sherman's work has had a profound impact on the development of contemporary art
- Helped to establish photography as a major medium for conceptual and critical art practice
- Influenced generations of artists working across a range of media and styles
Feminist art movement
- Sherman's work has been instrumental in the development of feminist art
- Challenges traditional gender roles and representations of women in art and media
- Helped to establish photography as a key medium for feminist critique and expression
- Inspired other women artists to use their own bodies and experiences as subject matter
- Contributed to the ongoing dialogue about gender, identity, and power in contemporary art and society
Postmodern photography
- Sherman's work is often cited as a key example of postmodern photography
- Challenges traditional notions of authorship, originality, and representation
- Uses appropriation, staging, and manipulation to create images that blur the lines between reality and fiction
- Highlights the constructedness and artificiality of photographic representation
- Helped to establish photography as a major medium for conceptual and critical art practice
Inspiring future generations
- Sherman's influence can be seen in the work of countless contemporary artists
- Examples include Yasumasa Morimura, Gillian Wearing, and Nikki S. Lee, among many others
- Continues to inspire new generations of artists working in photography, performance, and beyond
- Provides a model for using art as a tool for social critique, self-expression, and identity exploration
- Sherman's ongoing relevance and influence demonstrate the enduring power of her work and its ability to speak to contemporary concerns and issues
Key Terms to Review (20)
Andy Warhol: Andy Warhol was a leading figure in the visual art movement known as Pop Art, recognized for his innovative use of commercial techniques and celebrity culture to create art. His work often blurs the lines between high art and popular culture, which connects to the exploration of identity and representation found in contemporary photography, especially in the works of artists like Cindy Sherman, who also comment on societal norms through self-portraits.
Body politics: Body politics refers to the ways in which the body is used as a site of social, political, and cultural meaning, particularly regarding issues of identity, gender, and power. It connects with how individuals navigate their bodies within societal frameworks, influencing perceptions of authority, control, and resistance. The exploration of body politics often reveals how marginalized groups challenge dominant narratives and assert their identities through various forms of expression.
Conceptual art: Conceptual art is an art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns. It often challenges the conventional understanding of what art can be, encouraging viewers to engage with the underlying ideas rather than just the visual representation. This form of art often utilizes a variety of media and methods, pushing boundaries and prompting discussions about the nature of creativity and artistic value.
Feminist theory: Feminist theory is a broad intellectual framework that examines the social, political, and economic inequalities faced by women, aiming to understand and challenge patriarchal structures. It advocates for women's rights and emphasizes the importance of gender as a critical lens through which to analyze power dynamics in society, art, and culture.
Frieze Art Fair: Frieze Art Fair is a leading contemporary art fair held annually in various locations, showcasing a diverse range of artworks from established and emerging artists. The fair is known for its innovative approach to exhibiting art and its role in the international art market, providing a platform for galleries and artists to connect with collectors, curators, and the public.
Gaze: The gaze refers to the way viewers engage with an artwork, particularly how power dynamics and perspectives shape what is seen and interpreted. It is crucial in understanding visual culture, as it reveals underlying societal norms and expectations regarding gender, identity, and representation. In relation to photography, especially in the work of certain artists, the gaze can challenge traditional views and redefine how subjects are portrayed and perceived.
Gender norms: Gender norms are the social and cultural expectations that dictate how individuals should behave based on their perceived gender. These norms influence roles, responsibilities, and behaviors, often enforcing stereotypes that can limit individual expression. In the context of art and photography, especially with artists like Cindy Sherman, gender norms can be both critiqued and redefined through creative expression, revealing the complexities of identity and societal expectations.
Gender Roles: Gender roles refer to the social and behavioral norms that are typically associated with being male or female in a given society. These roles influence how individuals are expected to behave, dress, and interact based on their gender, often reinforcing stereotypes and limiting personal expression. In the context of art, these roles can impact the subjects that artists choose to depict and how both male and female artists navigate the art world.
Identity: Identity refers to the qualities, beliefs, and characteristics that define an individual or group. It encompasses how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others, often influenced by culture, gender, ethnicity, and personal experiences. In art, identity is explored through representation and self-expression, revealing insights into social roles and personal narratives.
Intertextuality: Intertextuality refers to the relationship between texts and how they reference, influence, or echo each other. It highlights how a work of art or literature is shaped by its context and by other works, creating a web of connections that enriches understanding. This concept is particularly relevant in analyzing how artists like Cindy Sherman use visual references to communicate themes related to identity, gender roles, and societal expectations.
Laura Mulvey: Laura Mulvey is a British feminist film theorist best known for her groundbreaking essay 'Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema,' where she introduced the concept of the 'male gaze.' This term critiques how women are often portrayed as objects of desire in visual culture, particularly in film, and examines the power dynamics at play between male viewers and female subjects. Mulvey's work has significantly influenced both feminist theory and visual arts, shedding light on how women have been integral to shaping photography and film while challenging traditional representations of gender.
Marcel Duchamp: Marcel Duchamp was a French-American artist known for his innovative contributions to the art world, particularly in the realm of conceptual art and Dadaism. He challenged traditional notions of what art could be, often using everyday objects and redefining them as art through his provocative ideas. His influence can be seen in various contemporary artists, particularly in the way that Cindy Sherman approaches identity and representation in her photographic self-portraits.
Pop culture: Pop culture refers to the ideas, practices, and phenomena that are prevalent and widely accepted within mainstream society at a given time. It encompasses music, fashion, technology, entertainment, and art that resonate with the general public and often reflects social attitudes and trends. This cultural landscape is constantly evolving and plays a significant role in shaping individual and collective identities.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is an art and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a skepticism towards grand narratives and ideologies, embracing irony, pastiche, and self-referentiality. It often challenges traditional boundaries and conventions in art, reflecting a fragmented and pluralistic view of reality.
Self-reflexivity: Self-reflexivity refers to the process in which an artwork or an artist reflects on their own identity, medium, or the act of creating itself. This concept encourages a deeper exploration of representation, questioning how images are constructed and understood, often revealing the complexities of personal and cultural identity. In art, self-reflexivity challenges the viewer to think critically about the relationship between the artist, their work, and the broader societal narratives they engage with.
Self-representation: Self-representation refers to the way artists depict themselves in their work, expressing their identity, experiences, and emotions. This concept allows for a personal narrative and a critical examination of societal norms and expectations. Through self-portraits, artists can challenge traditional ideas about gender, identity, and the role of the artist in society.
Societal expectations: Societal expectations refer to the norms and standards that a community or culture establishes regarding how individuals should behave, think, and express themselves. These expectations often dictate roles based on gender, age, class, and other factors, influencing personal identity and artistic expression. In the realm of art, societal expectations can shape the subjects artists choose to depict and the ways they present their work, often pushing them to conform or rebel against these norms.
Staged photography: Staged photography is a genre where the photographer arranges and controls all aspects of a scene to create a specific narrative or aesthetic. This approach often involves the use of props, costumes, and carefully planned settings, resulting in images that can resemble theatrical performances or cinematic scenes. The intent is to manipulate reality and challenge the viewer's perception of authenticity, creating a distinct relationship between the viewer and the art.
The Museum of Modern Art: The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is a prestigious art museum located in New York City, dedicated to showcasing modern and contemporary art. Established in 1929, MoMA has played a crucial role in the promotion of modernism and is known for its extensive collection of works, including paintings, sculptures, photography, and film. The museum has served as a platform for artists to explore themes of identity, race, and representation, making significant contributions to the careers of influential contemporary artists.
Theory of representation: The theory of representation refers to the way in which images and symbols stand in for or depict people, ideas, and experiences within a cultural context. This concept is crucial in understanding how identities are constructed and interpreted through visual media, particularly in the realm of art and photography. It emphasizes the relationship between reality and representation, highlighting how power dynamics can influence what is depicted and how audiences perceive these representations.