In a culture consumed by the pursuit of perpetual youth, Cindy Sherman confronts the reality of aging in a long-awaited new collection of photographs. The now 60-year-old artist stars in sixteen life-size, full-color portraits as unidentified women from the Golden Age of cinema, expressing defiance and unmistakable strength in the face of tragedy. Her first body of work in five years is now on display at New York City’s Metro Pictures.
Each work is printed directly onto metal, giving them a sheen that brings their subjects to life while simultaneously flattening them into a netherworld. The digitally manipulated backdrop reflects the old 1920s film sets and photos.
From her earliest photographs, Cindy has explored what it means to be a woman in American society. Forty years ago, she rose to prominence with her black-and-white “Untitled Film Stills,” in which she posed as stereotypical feminine roles in Hollywood, like the damsel in distress or the smartly-dressed secretary. Her work revealed just how deeply these representations of women were embedded in our public consciousness. Before visiting the exhibit, you can get a glimpse into Cindy Sherman’s stream of consciousness from her 2011 interview, in which she talks about her family relationships, dating David Byrne, her artwork and money.
Sherman’s latest works are on display at Metro Pictures from May 5 through June 11. Then, a retrospective survey of her life’s work Cindy Sherman: Imitation of Life will run June 11 through October 2 at The Broad in Los Angeles.
Check out her Metro Pictures exhibit here and reserve tickets for The Broad here.
