Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman, a prominent figure in contemporary art, was born on January 19, 1954, in Glen Ridge, New Jersey. She grew to become a highly influential artist, known particularly for her photographic self-portraits in various costumes and personas. Sherman's work often challenges ideas about identity, gender, and the role of women in media. She is widely recognized for her series of Untitled Film Stills, which comprises 70 black and white photographs in which she posed in various roles.

Cindy Sherman began her famous 'Untitled Film Stills' series in 1977, which she continued until 1980. In this groundbreaking work, she portrayed herself in enigmatic, movie-like stills in various costumes and posed in stereotypical female roles inspired by film noir, B-movies, and European art-house films. This series established her reputation as a significant artist exploring identity and representation in media.

In 1981, Cindy Sherman held her first solo exhibition at the Metro Pictures Gallery in New York. This exhibition was crucial in cementing her status as a noteworthy contemporary artist. It featured photographs from her 'Untitled Film Stills' series, showcasing her innovative approach to self-portraiture and her critique of traditional gender roles in society.

In 1995, Cindy Sherman was awarded the MacArthur Fellowship, often called the 'Genius Grant.' This prestigious award is given to individuals who have shown exceptional creativity in their work. The grant recognized Sherman's innovative and challenging artworks that explore complex themes including identity, gender, and representation, solidifying her impact on the art world.

Cindy Sherman directed her first and only feature film, 'Office Killer,' released in 1997. This dark comedy-horror starring Carol Kane and Molly Ringwald was an extension of Sherman's exploration of female identity and horror. The film's narrative follows a mentally disturbed office worker who turns into a serial killer, showcasing Sherman's signature exploration of identity and transformation.

In 1999, the Museum of Modern Art in New York held a major retrospective of Cindy Sherman's work. This exhibition featured pieces from throughout her career, emphasizing her influence and innovation in contemporary art. It brought together works from her various series, including 'Untitled Film Stills,' exploring the depth of her artistic investigation into identity and representation.

On February 26, 2011, the Museum of Modern Art in New York City opened a comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the works of Cindy Sherman. This exhibition included 180 of her photographs, examining her role in challenging traditional norms related to gender and identity. It once again showcased her ability to reshape and question how society perceives these aspects.

On May 9, 2012, Cindy Sherman's photograph, part of her 'Untitled Film Stills' series, set a record at auction. The piece sold for $3.89 million at a Christie’s auction, becoming the most expensive photograph ever sold at that time. This highlighted not only Sherman's prominence in the art world but also the significant market value of contemporary photography.

In 2016, a self-titled monograph was released, detailing Cindy Sherman's extensive career in art. This comprehensive book offered insight into her creative process, her evolution as an artist, and the incredible impact of her work on contemporary photography and gender discourse. It provided both visuals and essays that explored her contributions to the art world.

On June 6, 2019, Cindy Sherman had a major exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in London. This showcased works spanning her entire career, from her early series to more recent works. Focusing on themes like identity and persona, the exhibition critically explored how Sherman has used costume, props, and prosthetics to explore and expand notions of identity and representation.