Cindy Sherman is a
photographer who specialises in female portraits emulating various iconic
images of women. Her most famous work, Untitled
Film Stills (1978-1980) is a set of 69 monochrome portraits based on Hollywood
movie stills intended to subvert the role of women in the film world. Some of
her other work includes fashion shoots, album covers and a few short films.
She has also produced
images parodying historical portraits, centre-folds and publicity shots.
They are deliberately clichéd. She is a true artist in the sense that she
creates images which reflect the society we live in and holds up a mirror for
us to examine our values.
In case you had not
realised every one of these photos is a self-portrait of the artist!
12 comments:
Hi Bazza - I hadn't realised ... I wanted to know who they were - and you told me. She must be an incredible make up artist ... and possibly a chameleon. How very interesting to know about her ... thanks! Cheers Hilary
Hello Bazza, Cindy Sherman is definitely surreal. Her iconic images make us think, and can have an odd quality of attracting and repelling at the same time. I kind of like the historic recreations.
--Jim
This is a different type of art than you usually show us. No, I did not realize that it was all the same person until you told us. I did think that the four women looked similar and were possibly relatives. Thank you for introducing me to this artist.
Sherman's are doubly clichéd! Male artists create images which reflect the society those men think they live in; Sherman is a woman who uses those very same clichéd images to reflect the society in which women really live.
Hilary: Certainly a chameleon and very clever. It's interesting how recreating those images seems to subvert them.
Jim: Me too! They are a source of fascination but I find it hard to say why.
Arleen: I had my doubts whether the four were all her but they are!
Hels: Yes, she can easily be dismissed as frivolous but she is making serious statements which manage to entertain us at the same time!
So many different looks for one person! Makeup, attire, and various poses can certainly change one's image.
What a brilliant and creative woman. For sure, she's talented, but she uses her talent to make statements about our society. And no... I didn't realize all of the photos were self-portraits. (I can't even take a decent selfie... :) )
Sherry: It's quite a surprise isn't it? Although it looks like just some fun, she had a serious intent.
Susan: Cindy Sherman is recognised, in the art world at least, for her great talent in making the strong statements that she does in work.
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