Cindy Sherman’s powerful work inverts photography’s long-assumed ability to capture objective truth, distorting self-portraiture into a medium of socially critical photography. She assumes the roles of photographer, model and creative director as she plays with the notions of identity and femininity while masquerading as different characters. As a glamor girl, housewife, or Hollywood actress, Sherman critiques the roles women are forced into by society and the media. In her Fashion series, which includes Untitled #117, Sherman takes on a more disquieting character. Emerging sickly and gaunt from between two black curtains, the artist is a contemporary femme fatale.
Check out this artist feature story written by Arts Management Intern Leah Ball (’19) from Moments at MUAM, the Art Museum Student Blog.