Cindy Sherman

the portrait as narrative

By turning the camera on herself, Cindy Sherman has built a name as one of the most respected photographers of the late twentieth century. Although, the majority of her photographs are pictures of her, however, these photographs are most definitely not self-portraits. Rather, Sherman uses herself as a vehicle for commentary on a variety of issues of the modern world: the role of the woman, the role of the artist and many more.

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What is the story being told?

Consider setting/ environment…

Facial expressions…

Compositional elements that create tension…

Emblems/symbols that are loaded with cultural connotation…

How does she tell the story of a journey

through just one captured moment?

Read the place.

Read the pose.

Is this a more “natural” portrait? What qualifies it as “natural”?

What “insights” does Sherman possess that allow her to become these personas?

Consider the make-up, hair, hat, urban environment, and camera angle…how does the expression become incongruent with our expectations?

Explain the effect of the grainier texture here.

What connotations come with this type of photography? What special effects create the tabloid-esque feeling?

Sherman also uses a

tabloid-like shot.

Why would Sherman tap into Americans’ desire to catch celebrities “in the act” of misery, of ugliness, or otherun-glamorous moments?

What is unusual about the lighting? What is the result of this lighting effect?

What is the effect of the red filter on this portrait?

Again, explain her use of lighting and filters.

How does she achieve the intensity of this portrait?

…and this one?

Consider …

Balance,

Value

Shape

Space,

Etc.

Howwouldyou “stage”this photo?

What can she achieve by these portraits in the “absurd” realm?

What effects does she use to keep them from being mere parody?

Notice how Sherman pokes fun at the badly done portrait…bad cropping, cheesy backgrounds, etc.

What “types” is she aiming for in these yearbook-ish portraits?

How would you summarize Cindy Sherman’s contributions to the art of

photography?