Images from “Untitled film stills”. (Cindy Sherman, Flammarion. De Paume, Jeu.)
Why did you choose this artist?
I chose Cindy Sherman because of her creative outlook towards self-portraits. She’s created many different series based off of characters she invented. I find that in her “Untitled film stills” series, she somewhat captures a part of herself. A main part of her work that captivated me, was her exploration of female roles throughout time. She depicted herself within these roles with the help of makeup, backgrounds, and expressions. Sherman’s images also capture and question the oppressive nature of mass media on women.
How could you define the artist’s style?
Sherman’s style is most certainly experimental, playful, and somewhat sarcastic. One of her main influences is Andy Warhol, specifically his Photo Booth Self-Portraits.
Is the artist’s work representative of a specific Art Movement? Political/social response?
I have read that her work in photography started in the 1970s. Between the 60s and 70s, the feminism movement began. Within her works, it’s evident that she questions and mocks the ideal woman and the role that has been continuously pressed upon them.
How do you think the artist, and their work— be it specific pieces, or in general—would influence your final design? In terms of color, aesthetics, composition, technique, etc.
I’m drawn to her “Untitled film stills” series. I enjoy the candid nature of the images. There is a focus on her, but the background and location are apparent as well. Her portraits aren’t solely stuck to just her face, her body is there too. It would be nice to incorporate black and white images to the final design.
“Cindy Sherman Artist Overview and Analysis”. [Internet]. 2018. TheArtStory.org
Content compiled and written by Bonnie Rosenberg
Edited and published by The Art Story Contributors
Available from: https://www.theartstory.org/artist-sherman-cindy.htm
[Accessed 10 Jul 2018]
