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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. artmarketingsecrets.com
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?
Sherman also uses a tabloid-like shot. What connotations come with this type of photography? What special effects create the tabloid-esque feeling?
Why would Sherman tap into Americans’ desire to catch celebrities “in the act” of misery, of ugliness, or other un-glamorous moments?
What is unusual about the lighting? What is the result of this lighting effect?
Consider … Balance, Value Shape Space, Etc. How would you “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?