So interesting. I’m now going to look at Sharman’s work - another happy rabbit hole to dive into 😂 Great article and I hope you had a lovely birthday x
I love Cindy’s work. I work as a photographer and am also trying my hardest to not walk dysmorphically through the decades with all the visual judgement upon our exterior appearance as humans. I am also currently representing a clinic client and butting up hard against some of the youthification treatments. It’s conflicting. 🥴
Thanks for reading Sarah. It’s hard not to feel pressure. The marketing is hardcore. I believe in the freedom of choice to age how you see fit as long as it causes no harm to others, but I think the more commonplace treatment becomes the harder it is to resist. X
I don’t know if it feels like choice at all when it’s infused into the very socio-cultural air that we inhale all this marketing of moist, youthful, dewy … groan.
This was fascinating Margaret. I found it really uncomfortable to look at those photos but I guess that’s the point. What a brilliant person, I had never heard of her. Happy Birthday 🥳
I probably won’t be eloquent enough, but she is one of my favorite contemporary image makers. I was lucky enough to see a few of her larger photos at The Art Institute of Chicago many years ago. She is incisive, bold and striking. Many thanks for showcasing her work.
She had a big retrospective here in Berlin, which…I never got around to seeing, and I could kick myself…hard!
She’s fascinated me for a long time, for how many artists are both the creator and the subject simultaneously, and to wear those two hats at the same time as brilliantly as she does is remarkable.
Thank you Mark. There was also one in London at NPG a few years ago. It was staggering. So much work. She’s so interesting and I’m sure there’ll be more chances in the future to see her work.
I’m always curious: as celebrities age – especially actors and musicians with any sort of glamorous youth – how must it make them feel to be constantly confronted by images of their younger selves, peak exemplars of beauty? Cindy Sherman is unusual in taking it head-on, but I don’t know if the mood is torment or triumph.
Margaret, your pieces always stand out for me. You interrogate the subject matter so well and this piece is no exception. What a brilliant mind Cindy Sherman had and how uniquely she used it to make important points about how women (are often unknowingly expected to) present themselves. I’ve recently made the decision to let the grey in my hair come through and it’s felt so liberating…I’m 63 so you’ve got a few years left though!
Thank you for all the work you do for us readers putting these excellent pieces together. Restacking for others to enjoy! And have a most enjoyable birthday 🙌❤️
Ah thank you Esther. That’s most kind. Cindy Sherman really has done all the heavy lifting here, I’m just along for the ride. She’s such a great artist, I love her. I’m pleased you enjoyed it, and thank you for sharing it. x
Thank you for the introduction as I had not encountered Sherman before, an enlightening and entertaining piece as always with food for thought for the day 🥰🥰🥰
I was not familiar with Sherman- thank you for the introduction, Margaret! What challenging images, especially the last one. It reminds me of Bette Davis in “Baby Jane”. 💕
So interesting. I’m now going to look at Sharman’s work - another happy rabbit hole to dive into 😂 Great article and I hope you had a lovely birthday x
Thanks so much for reading Marie.She's created some great work and is indeed a fascinating character. I'm very much enjoying my birthday x
Ah many happy returns for today ! ❤️
I haven’t heard of Cindy Sherman but thank you for the introduction, her work sounds most interesting. You did her proud! :)
Thanks so much Julie.
I love Cindy’s work. I work as a photographer and am also trying my hardest to not walk dysmorphically through the decades with all the visual judgement upon our exterior appearance as humans. I am also currently representing a clinic client and butting up hard against some of the youthification treatments. It’s conflicting. 🥴
Thanks for reading Sarah. It’s hard not to feel pressure. The marketing is hardcore. I believe in the freedom of choice to age how you see fit as long as it causes no harm to others, but I think the more commonplace treatment becomes the harder it is to resist. X
I don’t know if it feels like choice at all when it’s infused into the very socio-cultural air that we inhale all this marketing of moist, youthful, dewy … groan.
Yes there’s that!
This was fascinating Margaret. I found it really uncomfortable to look at those photos but I guess that’s the point. What a brilliant person, I had never heard of her. Happy Birthday 🥳
She’s such a brilliant and provocative artist. Thanks for reading Francis and for the birthday wishes x
I probably won’t be eloquent enough, but she is one of my favorite contemporary image makers. I was lucky enough to see a few of her larger photos at The Art Institute of Chicago many years ago. She is incisive, bold and striking. Many thanks for showcasing her work.
It’s great to discover other fans of her work on here. Thanks for reading Amy.
Your 55 will be great! I love Cindy´s artworks, non- self-portraits. Playful naughty, so inspiring!
She’s so clever. Thank you Yolanda x
She had a big retrospective here in Berlin, which…I never got around to seeing, and I could kick myself…hard!
She’s fascinated me for a long time, for how many artists are both the creator and the subject simultaneously, and to wear those two hats at the same time as brilliantly as she does is remarkable.
A great read, as ever, Margaret!
Thanks!
Thank you Mark. There was also one in London at NPG a few years ago. It was staggering. So much work. She’s so interesting and I’m sure there’ll be more chances in the future to see her work.
I’m always curious: as celebrities age – especially actors and musicians with any sort of glamorous youth – how must it make them feel to be constantly confronted by images of their younger selves, peak exemplars of beauty? Cindy Sherman is unusual in taking it head-on, but I don’t know if the mood is torment or triumph.
I think it veers to both torment and triumph. Thanks for reading Ian.
Loved reading this. I learnt so much! Your writing is always so enjoyable to read, Margaret xxx
Ah thank you Hannah, that’s a lovely thing to say and I’m very pleased you enjoy it. x
Margaret, your pieces always stand out for me. You interrogate the subject matter so well and this piece is no exception. What a brilliant mind Cindy Sherman had and how uniquely she used it to make important points about how women (are often unknowingly expected to) present themselves. I’ve recently made the decision to let the grey in my hair come through and it’s felt so liberating…I’m 63 so you’ve got a few years left though!
Thank you for all the work you do for us readers putting these excellent pieces together. Restacking for others to enjoy! And have a most enjoyable birthday 🙌❤️
Ah thank you Esther. That’s most kind. Cindy Sherman really has done all the heavy lifting here, I’m just along for the ride. She’s such a great artist, I love her. I’m pleased you enjoyed it, and thank you for sharing it. x
She’s such an interesting artist. I really enjoyed reading this piece. Thank you, Margaret, and I hope you have a brilliant birthday when it comes! Xx
Thank you.x
Showing, not telling. I love her work, especially of late. Thank you Margaret.
Exactly so Cherry and thank you for reading. x
Very interesting, Margaret. I always learn a lot from this series and am grateful for your interpretation. Happy Birthday ! Xx
Thank you Maureen x
Thank you for the introduction as I had not encountered Sherman before, an enlightening and entertaining piece as always with food for thought for the day 🥰🥰🥰
Thanks for reading Karen x
I was not familiar with Sherman- thank you for the introduction, Margaret! What challenging images, especially the last one. It reminds me of Bette Davis in “Baby Jane”. 💕
Happy Birthday, my friend. 🥰
Yes it does evoke Bette in Baby Jane. Thanks so much Sheila and for the birthday wishes.
Happy Birthday! 🎉🎊🥂🍾
Thanks Jacqui. X