The Vision of Cindy Sherman: 10 Iconic Quotes on Photography
Cindy Sherman, a groundbreaking contemporary artist and photographer, is known for her self-portraits that explore identity, gender, and societal roles. Her work transcends traditional boundaries, focusing on characters and narratives without explicitly revealing her own personal identity. Here are 10 of her most profound quotes that reflect her unique approach to art and photography.
1. Breaking Away from Traditional Art
“I didn’t have any interest in traditional art.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman was never drawn to conventional art forms like painting. Her interest in photography allowed her to break free from traditional constraints and explore more immediate, personal expressions.
2. Layers of Meaning
“I am always surprised at all the things people read into my photos, but it also amuses me… My intentions are neither feminist nor political. I try to put double or multiple meanings into my photos, which might give rise to a greater variety of interpretations.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman’s work invites multiple interpretations, with no singular meaning. She creates images that allow viewers to project their own ideas and emotions onto the characters.
3. The Challenge of the Unknown
“If I knew what the picture was going to be like, I wouldn’t make it… the challenge is more about trying to make what you can’t think of.”
— Cindy Sherman
For Sherman, the creative process is about discovery. She finds excitement in exploring the unknown rather than working with preconceived ideas.
4. Role-Playing and Identity
“[My work is] maybe about me maybe not wanting to be me and wanting to be all these other characters. Or at least try them on.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman often takes on different characters in her photography, reflecting her fascination with identity and the roles people play in society. Her art allows her to explore different personas and question the concept of self.
5. Photography as Play
“When I’m working on my photographs I have to make up my own sort of rules. Sometimes I have a vision of what I want but mostly I’m guided by what I don’t want… making photos is more like playing than cooking is.”
— Cindy Sherman
For Sherman, photography is an experimental and playful process. She embraces mistakes and spontaneity, often finding that the unexpected results are the most interesting.
6. The Camera Lies
“The image in the mirror becomes her—the image the camera gets on the film. And the one thing I’ve always known is that the camera lies.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman acknowledges the deceptive nature of photography. The camera doesn’t capture reality but a constructed version of it, which is often influenced by the photographer’s intentions and choices.
7. Against Preciousness in Art
“One reason I was interested in photography was to get away from the preciousness of the art object.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman was drawn to photography because it allowed her to escape the traditional idea of “precious” art objects, focusing instead on creating works that were accessible and relatable to a broader audience.
8. Intangible Emotions
“I want that choked-up feeling in your throat which maybe comes from despair or teary-eyed sentimentality: conveying intangible emotions.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman aims to evoke deep, sometimes unspoken emotions in her work. She focuses on the power of subtle expression, letting her images stir feelings that are difficult to articulate.
9. Escaping Self-Portraits
“It has nothing to do with me. I work with myself, that’s my material somehow, but the finished photograph has more to offer than reflections of my ‘personality’… My photographs are certainly not self-portraits.”
— Cindy Sherman
Although Sherman often appears in her own photos, she insists that they are not self-portraits. Her work explores characters and archetypes rather than personal autobiography.
10. The Role of Narrative
“The still must tease with the promise of a story the viewer of it itches to be told.”
— Cindy Sherman
Sherman’s photographs suggest narratives without explicitly stating them, encouraging viewers to create their own stories and interpretations.
FAQs: Cindy Sherman’s Style, Philosophy, and Approach to Photography
1. What is Cindy Sherman’s photography style?
Sherman’s style is characterized by staged, theatrical self-portraits where she transforms into various characters. Her work often explores themes of identity, gender, and the portrayal of women in media.
2. Does Cindy Sherman consider her work feminist?
Although many interpret Sherman’s work as feminist, she has stated that her intentions are neither feminist nor political. She prefers to leave her photos open to multiple interpretations.
3. Why does Cindy Sherman use herself as a model?
Sherman uses herself in her photographs because she can push her own boundaries and explore various characters. However, her work is not autobiographical; she uses her body as a canvas to portray different personas.
4. What does Cindy Sherman mean by “the camera lies”?
Sherman believes that photography creates a distorted version of reality. The camera captures constructed images, not truth, and Sherman plays with this idea by creating fictional personas in her work.
5. What is the role of narrative in Cindy Sherman’s work?
Sherman’s images often suggest a story but never explicitly tell one. She teases the viewer with hints of narrative, encouraging them to fill in the gaps and create their own interpretations.
Cindy Sherman’s work continues to challenge and redefine the boundaries of photography, identity, and artistic expression. Her use of characters, transformations, and ambiguous narratives invites viewers to question the roles we play in society and the nature of photography itself.
