I have studied Cindy Sherman in photography and art classes, but this was the first time I had ever seen any of her photographs up close and personal. And let me tell you I can't stress "personal" enough. I'm not very impressed by artists who try to base their work off of "shock value" because most of the time, it's not really shocking rather than more or less of what you would expect.
It seems that Cindy Sherman spends a fair amount of time trying to incorporate weird, crazy aspects into her pieces; sometimes it works for me, sometimes it really doesn't. So, I wasn't really sure how to feel about her. I still don't think I know.
Don't get me wrong, I love anything that is in puppet or doll form, but I just can't wrap my head around how and why she has used them in such a way. However, a little mystery never hurt anyone and I love an untold story. Maybe that's what makes the image above (and many others of the same nature) so intriguing to me. It's as if I'm witnessing a crime happening right infront of me. Is that what she wanted? I don't know... I still don't know. I just can't right now.
The Cindy Sherman exhibit is so massive that there are plenty of other pieces to see without feeling offended or confused. A part from feeling slightly violated by the collection of similar works above, I quite liked the rest of her photos.
Here's why I'm leaning towards liking this artist: I spent so much time looking at her photos in the exhibit--yes, pondering what the photos were saying, but even more so asking myself, "Who is Cindy Sherman?" I think I also liked the fact that none of her images were titled. When you are shooting photographs, especially those that are staged, every detail has a purpose. Obviously she took these stills for a reason and an intended message.
Why do we need to know her intent?
Whatever your notion (if you have one) of Cindy Sherman's intent for her work, I think this exhibition is one worth seeing. Expect to see interesting rather than attractive subject matter.
The Dallas Museum of Art is currently exhibiting works by Cindy Sherman until June 9 of this year.
P.S. Why wouldn't we want to see James Franco pose as Cindy Sherman?
P.S. Why wouldn't we want to see James Franco pose as Cindy Sherman?
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