cindy sherman the portrait as narrative. by turning the camera on herself, cindy sherman has built a...
TRANSCRIPT
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.
artmarketingsecrets.com
Consider setting/ environment…
Facial expressions…
Compositional elements that create tension…
Emblems/symbols that are loaded with cultural connotation…
Consider the make-up, hair, hat, urban environment, and camera angle…how does the expression become incongruent with our expectations?
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 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?