Feminism: Cindy Sherman

Feminism is a word used to describe movements that aim to give women greater rights and protection. Feminism is a big subject in photography as women are often used as ‘objects’ to complete an image. However some feminist supporters have used photography to prove their point and to present women in an equal way. One photographer I have noticed whose photography can be seen as enhancing to women is Cindy Sherman. Her images are all self-portraits and include her taking on very different roles and characters. In her images she plays out several stereotypes of woman, but also challenges these by posing as ‘unladylike’ characters. Her work questions the role of women in society and the media. Sherman is quoted as saying “The work is what it is and hopefully it’s seen as feminist work, or feminist-advised work, but I’m not going to go around espousing theoretical bullshit about feminist stuff." This quote is from an interview for Tate magazine where Sherman talks a lot about feminism and her views on it. After reading this interview I got a much clearer insight into how Sherman works and where she gets her ideas from.

The image below is a very sexual image, but by using a plastic doll you get a completely different idea and meaning from it from you would if it was an image of an actual women. Images like this of women are not rare but by using a doll Sherman is messing around with the idea of women being viewed as ‘objects’. The image now is art, not porn, and it is confronting women not exposing them. I think the idea for the series of images of dolls in compromising positions is brilliant and very well played out.

Sherman has influenced many photographers, especially women around the world with her art. Her images make you question identity and stereotypes, and the fact that she is always dressed up makes you want to experiment yourself, not just experiment with your work but also with your own style and appearance.

Cindy Sherman: Working Girl - Book
Early Work of Cindy Sherman - Book
http://www.cindysherman.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Sherman
http://www.tate.org.uk/magazine/issue5/sherman.htm
http://ponygraph.blogspot.com/2010/01/cindy-sherman-1954.html