Cindy Sherman, a pioneering figure in contemporary photography, rose to prominence during the Pictures Generation, reshaping self-portraiture. She challenged media representations of female identity and the idea of the “woman,” confronting mainstream gender stereotypes. Sherman’s work delves into various characters, where she meticulously crafts every detail from attire to makeup, immersing herself in each character's narrative. Her documentation extends beyond mere self-portraits, transcending into a photojournalistic exploration of gender narratives in social contexts. She establishes a distinctive visual language using dramatic lighting and theatrical compositions, solidifying her status as one of her generation's most influential female photographers.
Born in 1954 in New Jersey, Sherman initially pursued painting at Buffalo State College. Simultaneously, she began her enduring exploration of identity within social-political frameworks of media-created narratives of identity, experimenting with stage makeup, set design, and photographic techniques. In 1974, she founded Hallwalls, providing a platform for artists of diverse backgrounds. Her first major series, Bus Riders and Untitled film stills began in 1976 and 1977, evolving over subsequent decades to encompass fashion, history, and sex photography. Venturing into the film scene in the 1990s, Sherman collaborated with directors, musicians, and actors, adding another dimension to her artistic expression.
Her inaugural solo shows in the early 1980s at the Kitchen in New York and Metro Pictures Gallery marked the establishment of her prolific career. Sherman’s work has been showcased in esteemed institutions such as The Whitney Museum, The Museum of Modern Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles. Notably, a 2009 Museum of Modern Art exhibition celebrated the Pictures Generation. In 2019, The National Portrait Gallery in London showcased a retrospective of her work from the mid-70s onwards. Internationally recognized, Sherman has participated in events like the Venice Biennale and the White Biennale. Through her multifaceted exploration of gender and identity, Cindy Sherman continues her enduring influence on contemporary image-making.
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The Photography Show Presented by AIPAD
415 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10016 31 Mar - 2 Apr 2023From March 31 - April 2, 2023, Bruce Silverstein Gallery will be exhibiting at The Photography Show presented by AIPAD in Booth # 108; showcasing...Read more -
ART BASEL OVR:20C
Dream House 28 - 31 Oct 2020For Art Basel OVR:20c, Bruce Silverstein Gallery is pleased to present Dream House. The digital presentation, built on the foundation of Louise Nevelson’s Dream House...Read more -
Paris Photo
8 - 11 Nov 2018Recognized today as one of the most influential figures in modern photography, the Hungarian artist, designer and educator, György Kepes (1906-2001) was one of the...Read more -
Frieze Masters
4 - 7 Oct 2018Featured artists: Diane Arbus, John Baldessari, Constantin Brâncuși, Bill Brandt, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Henri Cartier-Bresson, F. Holland Day, František Drtikol, William Eggleston, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Robert...Read more -
The Photography Show
Presented by AIPAD 5 - 8 Apr 2018Featured Artists: Werner Bischof, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Constantin Brâncuși, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Mark Cohen, Elliot Erwitt, Walker Evans, Mishka Henner, Todd Hido, André Kertész, Dorthea Lange,...Read more -
The Armory Show
8 - 11 Mar 2018Featured Artists: Bernd & Hilla Becher, Constantin Brâncuși, Todd Hido, André Kertész, Alfred Leslie, Louise Nevelson, Man Ray, Gerhard Richter, Ed Ruscha, Cindy Sherman, Aaron...Read more -
Paris Photo
9 - 12 Nov 2017Featured artists: Bill Brandt, Manuel Alvarez Bravo, Constantin Brâncusi, Harry Callahan, Henri Cartier Bresson, F. Holland Day, František Drtikol, Elliot Erwitt, Eric Fischl, Mishka Henner,...Read more -
Frieze Masters
5 - 8 Oct 2017Featured artists: Brassaï, Constantin Brâncusi, Harry Callahan, F. Holland Day, František Drtikol, André Kertész, Alfred Leslie, Rene Magritte, Henry Moore, Barbara Morgan, Man Ray, Aaron...Read more -
The Armory Show
2 - 5 Mar 2017Featured Artists: Constantin Brâncuși, Bill Brandt, Eric Fischl, Mishka Henner, Todd Hido, André Kertész, Alfred Leslie, René Magritte, Shinichi Maruyama. Lisette Model. Max Neumann. Cindy...Read more -
Paris Photo
10 - 13 Nov 2016Bruce Silverstein Gallery is pleased to present at Paris Photo an exhibition inspired by one of the cornerstones of modern art, F. Holland Day’s seminal...Read more