Sherman, who photographs alone in her studio, has used a variety of techniques to suggest different locations and imaginary (sometimes impossible) spaces, extending the narrative possibilities of her images. In her first foray into color, in 1980, the artist photographed herself in front of rear-screen projections of various cityscapes and landscapes, evoking films from the 1950s and 1960s that used similar techniques to create the illusion of a change in location. In later series, such as the head shots (2000–2002), clowns (2003–04), and society portraits (2008), the artist used digital tools to create a variety of environments. The garish fluorescent colors in a clown picture contribute to the disturbing quality of the portrait, while a fairy tale forest provides a dreamy backdrop for a well-to-do lady.
Sherman, who photographs alone in her studio, has used a variety of techniques to suggest different locations and imaginary (sometimes impossible) spaces, extending the narrative possibilities of her images. In her first foray into color, in 1980, the artist photographed herself in front of rear-screen projections of various cityscapes and landscapes, evoking films from the 1950s and 1960s that used similar techniques to create the illusion of a change in location. In later series, such as the head shots (2000–2002), clowns (2003–04), and society portraits (2008), the artist used digital tools to create a variety of environments. The garish fluorescent colors in a clown picture contribute to the disturbing quality of the portrait, while a fairy tale forest provides a dreamy backdrop for a well-to-do lady.
Chromogenic color print, 60 1/2 x 48" (153.7 x 121.9 cm). Allison and Warren Kanders. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print , 46 x 31 1/8" (116.8 x 79.1 cm). Glenstone. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print, 61 5/8 x 60" (156.5 x 152.4 cm). Meredith and Bryan Verona. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print, 54 x 36" (137.2 x 91.4 cm). Collection of Melva Bucksbaum and Raymond J. Learsy. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print, 53 3/4 x 54 3/4" (136.5 x 139.1 cm). Holzer Family Collection. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print, 15 5/16 x 23 7/16" (38.9 x 59.5 cm). Whitney Museum of American Art, New York. Gift of Barbara and Eugene Schwartz. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print, 16 x 23 15/16" (40.7 x 60.8 cm). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. Acquired through the generosity of Janelle Reiring and Helene Winer, by exchange. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
Chromogenic color print, 15 x 24" (40.6 x 61 cm). Barbara and Richard S. Lane. © 2012 Cindy Sherman
