Cindy Sherman
"I'm really just using the mirror to summon something I don't even know until I see it."
Cindy Sherman is a highly acclaimed fine art photographer known for her provocative and thought-provoking self-portraits. Born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, she has been transforming herself into different characters and personas through her photographs for over four decades. Sherman's work explores themes such as identity, gender, and the role of women in society, making her one of the most significant and influential fine art photographers of our time.
Early Life and Career
Cindy Sherman initially studied painting at the State University of New York at Buffalo but became disillusioned with the medium. She turned to photography, which allowed her to create images that portrayed different narratives and characters. In the late 1970s, she started to work on her groundbreaking series, "Untitled Film Stills," which consists of black-and-white self-portraits inspired by classic Hollywood films and B-movies. This series brought her to the forefront of the contemporary art scene and established her reputation as a trailblazing fine art photographer.
Photographic Style and Techniques
Cindy Sherman's work is characterized by her use of self-portraiture to create fictional characters and explore themes such as identity, representation, and the construction of femininity. She meticulously constructs her photographs, controlling every aspect of the image, including makeup, costumes, lighting, and settings. Through her elaborate and often satirical transformations, Sherman encourages viewers to question societal norms and expectations, particularly those imposed on women.
Career Highlights
"Untitled Film Stills" (1977-1980): A series of 69 black-and-white photographs in which Sherman portrays various female characters inspired by film noir, European art-house films, and American B-movies.
"Centerfolds" (1981): A series commissioned by Artforum magazine that explores female stereotypes and the male gaze, inspired by the centerfold format of adult magazines.
"History Portraits" (1988-1990): A series of photographs in which Sherman reinterprets famous historical and mythological paintings, often using prosthetics and heavy makeup to distort her appearance.
"Clowns" (2003-2004): A series of colorful, large-format photographs in which Sherman portrays a variety of clown characters, exploring the boundary between humor and terror.
"Society Portraits" (2008): A series of photographs that critique the vanity and superficiality of high society, featuring Sherman as wealthy socialites and celebrities.
Photography Gear
Cindy Sherman is known to use medium format cameras for her work, including the Hasselblad 503CW and the Mamiya RZ67. She has also used digital cameras, such as the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III, for some of her more recent projects.
Photography Books
"Cind"Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills": This comprehensive collection of Cindy Sherman's iconic Untitled Film Stills series showcases her groundbreaking exploration of identity and representation. For photographers, this book provides inspiration to experiment with self-portraiture and develop a deeper understanding of narrative and character.
"Cindy Sherman": This monograph offers an extensive overview of Sherman's career, featuring her most famous and provocative works. It serves as an invaluable resource for photographers seeking to broaden their knowledge of contemporary photography and challenge traditional notions of self-portraiture.
"Cindy Sherman: A Play of Selves": In this book, Sherman presents a series of self-portraits that explore the performative nature of identity. The collection encourages photographers to consider the relationship between performance and photography, inviting them to play with the boundaries of their own artistic practice.
"Robert Longo: Men in the Cities, Cindy Sherman: Retrospective": This dual retrospective highlights the work of both Cindy Sherman and Robert Longo, offering insights into their individual artistic processes and evolution. Owning this book allows photographers to study the development of two influential artists, inspiring them to reflect on their own creative journeys.
"Cindy Sherman: Working Girl": Focusing on Sherman's early work, this book delves into her exploration of female stereotypes and gender roles. For photographers, the book serves as a valuable resource to examine the beginnings of an influential artist's career and consider the societal impact of their own work.
"Cindy Sherman: Retrospective": This retrospective offers a comprehensive look at Sherman's extensive body of work, tracing her career from its beginnings to her most recent projects. Photographers can benefit from studying the evolution of Sherman's ideas and techniques, gaining inspiration for their own creative exploration of identity and representation.
Quotes
"I'm really just using the mirror to summon something I don't even know until I see it."
"I can't appreciate the old masters, or emulate them, without adding the cynicism I feel about the way women were and are treated."
"I think people are more apt to believe photographs, especially if it's something fantastic."
"I like making images that from a distance seem kind of seductive, colorful, luscious and engaging, and then you realize what you're looking at is something totally opposite."
"I try to isolate something basic in the person that maybe is a caricature of themselves, or something that they're known for, and then exaggerate it."
Legacy and Influence
Cindy Sherman's work has had a significant impact on contemporary art and photography. Her innovative approach to self-portraiture and her exploration of identity, gender, and representation have inspired countless artists and photographers to challenge conventional norms and push the boundaries of their own work. Some other notable photographers with similar styles are Francesca Woodman, Gillian Wearing, and Nikki S. Lee.
Sherman's influence extends beyond the realm of photography, as her work has been referenced in various other artistic disciplines, such as film, literature, and fashion. By consistently challenging societal expectations and preconceived notions of femininity, Cindy Sherman's art continues to resonate with new generations of artists and photographers, solidifying her status as an icon in the world of fine art photography.
