DAY 313

FAMOUS PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cindy Sherman (1954–)

QUEEN OF SELF-PORTRAITS

Fame came to Cindy Sherman early through her extraordinary body of work called Untitled Film Stills. This series of photographic falsifications, in which she plays the role of the ubiquitous B-movie actress in all her archetypal glory—as housewife, prostitute, dancer, and tearful woman in distress—was created with a diverse and incredible array of wigs, costumes, makeup, and props. Sherman first cast herself as starlet, director, set designer, and photographer in 1977.

Taking pictures of herself has proved to be quite lucrative—in 1999, the average selling price of one of Sherman’s photographs was between $20,000 and $50,000¹. And in 1999, the Museum of Modern Art in New York purchased the entire Untitled Film Stills collection for $1 million. She has received numerous awards, including American Academy of Arts & Sciences Award, the National Arts Award, and a MacArthur Fellowship, also known as the “genius award,” which grants its recipient $500,000 and full creative license.

Sherman’s more current projects include Sex Pictures, a series that uses dolls and prosthetic body parts grouped together in a suggestive manner. Critically acclaimed as both campy and powerful, it is yet another series in her ongoing examination of cultural trends and ideals. —GC