Cindy Sherman American, b. 1954

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.