Sunday Evening Reflection: Cindy Sherman

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inCindy Sherman, LadyBudd, Sunday Evening Reflection, Vancouver Art GalleryTags:, ,

“The still must tease with the promise of a story the viewer of it itches to be told.”

Cindy Sherman

A year ago, on October 26, 2019, Vancouver Art Gallery’s exhibition, Cindy Sherman, opened with great fanfare. I had marked this event several months in advance, as this exhibition was an exploration of Cindy Sherman’s journey from the mid-1970’s to the present day, including selections from each of her major series, some of which had been created as recently as 2019.

“Everyone thinks these are self-portraits but they aren’t meant to be. I just use myself as a model because I know I can push myself to extremes, make each shot as ugly or goofy or silly as possible.”

Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman challenges us to reflect upon individual identity, fashion trends, societal conventions, and transitions that come with aging. I visited the exhibition several times, each visit giving me a greater understanding of her work within the wider flow of creativity. Her imagination and brilliant way of presenting her appearance was breathtaking.

In the last week of the exhibition, without the knowledge that within a few days the WHO would announce the COVID-19 pandemic, I came to say goodbye to Cindy Sherman. As I look back at my photos, these many months later, there is an added poignancy in my reflection. We are now experiencing a new reality, a fundamental examination of personal identity and community engagement.

Thank you for joining me on my “virtual”return to Cindy Sherman’s exhibition. For more photos link into my Cindy Sherman SmugMug Gallery

“I think people are more apt to believe photographs, especially if it’s something fantastic. They’re willing to be more gullible. Sometimes they want fantasy. Even if they know it’s fake they can believe anything. People are accustomed to being told what to believe in.”

Cindy Sherman

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

57 thoughts on “Sunday Evening Reflection: Cindy Sherman”

  1. Enjoyed your presentation of her work ….very interesting and provocative ! It was wonderful to have a virtual visit to this gallery. Thank you Sent from Sharon’s device

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    Liked by 4 people

    1. I am delighted that you joined me, Sharon! So much has happened over these past months. When I look back, I’m seeing Cindy Sherman’s artwork from an entirely different perspective – it has taken on new meaning. Sending hugs your way.

      Liked by 2 people

  2. Dear Rebecca,
    thank you very much to introduce Cindy Sherman to us. We didn’t know her work before. We especially like the last quote.
    With warm greetings and hugs from the cold sea
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Liked by 5 people

    1. Sending Vancouver sunshine your way, but I’m afraid there is a cold wind brewing on our side of the world, too. BRRRR….. Thank you for joining me at the Vancouver Art Gallery. With every visit, I found more meaning within the photos. The notations were helpful in providing background and reasons for each series, but I have learned that art reaches out and touches us in unique ways, depending upon our circumstances, location, etc. I thought of our discussion on colour when I viewed the photos. Sending many hugs and love to my dear, dear friends, The Fab Four of Cley.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Thank you very much, dear Rebecca.
        Art touches us in ways depending on location and other circumstances. These circumstances influence what we see in which way. Like the Campbell soup can which is perceived as art standing in the Museum.
        We have nearly no wind, light clouds and around 15 degrees.
        Big hugs and lots of love for our dear friend
        The Fab Four of Cley
        🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

        Liked by 2 people

  3. Rebecca, a wonderful experience to see your panoramic presentation about this stunning pre-Covid exhibit. The way Cindy Sherman takes on various personas is amazing and thought-provoking. (The Vancouver Art Gallery looks like quite an impressive building — outside and in.)

    Liked by 4 people

    1. As I look back, I think the Cindy Sherman exhibition was serendipitous, reminding me that we have many parts to our lives and we are always in transition. I love our Art Gallery, which was first opened in 1931 at a different location. In 1983, it moved to the current building, which was originally a neo-classical courthouse building, designed by Victoria,B.C. architect Sir Francis Mawson Rattenbury (1867-1935) who was originally from Yorkshire, England. They say he was a “colouful figure” which comes out in his brilliant architecture designs. He also designed Victoria’s Legislative Assembly buildings and the iconic Empress Hotel. There are plans to move again, but I have a feeling it will take some time and a considerable amount of money to bring the “new building” plans, which are very exciting, to fruition.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you, Meg. I agree wholeheartedly, it is indeed possible to keep learning and engaging. We are living in a time where virtual connection has become the new reality. How we relate within this milieu is unfolding as we go along. We live in uncertain times, that demands our highest participation. So glad that we connected.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. Oh Shehanne, I am delighted that you joined me. With your imagination, you would have been fascinated by how Cindy Sherman acts out many female roles in her works, leaving obvious flaws in her enactments and including impossible, even playful details that give more emphasis to what many commentators note as “charade.” There is both angst and humour – she is able to balance the two. But I did enjoy overhearing some of the comments and gasps that were made by fellow visitors. Art makes us think and reflect. Sending many hugs your way.

      Liked by 3 people

  6. This is a very interesting take on a recent view of style, some of the photos are so characteristic of the things women wore at that time and still do!. I find it interesting that she was not scared to use herself as a model or take photos of herself for the outside world to see. Her comment about photographs is intriguing. I am glad that you were able to see her exhibition. I am sure this virus has made it hard to attend.

    Liked by 5 people

    1. I am very pleased I was able to see Cindy Sherman’s exhibition several times before it closed on March 8, 2020. The Art Gallery has reopened cautiously. Yes, the pandemic has changed the way we interact within our environment. Libraries, art galleries, museums, playhouses have had to redefine their delivery systems over the past months. They have done exceptional work and I admire all who have brought music, art, dance, poetry and books to our doorsteps.

      Liked by 3 people

    1. A perfect description – “intriguing”, Jennifer. I agree wholeheartedly. Interestingly, Cindy Sherman maintains that she doesn’t view her photography as self-portraits. Her thought – “People assume that a self-portrait is narcissistic and you’re trying to reveal something about yourself: fantasies or autobiographical information. In fact, none of my work is about me or my private life” – challenges me to see the world via the lens of the artist. I continue to learn and learn and learn…. Thank you for stopping by – very much appreciated.

      Liked by 3 people

      1. Yes, I understood what she was trying to say about that. I don’t see it as narcissistic at all. Talent is talent, and I’m always interested in seeing different examples of self-expression, in any form. Thanks, Rebecca!

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      2. I confess, the first time I saw the exhibition, I felt it WAS narcissistic. And then, I opened my mind to what was in front of me. Modern art has nuances that I am just beginning to understand and appreciate. Whenever I find myself dismissing an artwork, I remind myself with this question: “Would I have been like those people living in Monet’s time who criticized his paintings and considered all impressionists as radicals?” YIKES. I continue to learn and learn and learn!!!

        Liked by 3 people

      3. I look at it this way: compare it to the performing arts. Is a singer or dancer or actor or musician a narcissist when the spotlight is on him or her? No, he or she is interpreting an art form. That’s how I see Cindy Sherman or anyone of her ilk. Oh my, yes, there is so much to learn, and to appreciate!

        Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree, Paul – the quote was indeed perfect for our time. I’m so glad that you joined me for Cindy Sherman’s exhibition. While there were many background notations that accompanied the presentations, it was the stories embedded in the portraits that spoke to me and brought back images from my personal experience. It seemed to call for stories over stories, challenging me to think, to consider, to reflect.

      Liked by 3 people

  9. Pardon my north-American vulgarity… but “WOW” what an extraordinary and non-usual artist, most exciting to say the least. She laughing good heartedly at our enjoyably enjoying human silliness.It truly says so of her quote “People are accustomed to being told what to believe in.” Again the appropriate vulgar WOW, if that is not the world mankind self-created, I am not on planet earth!
    Being one among the most silly earthlings, let me confirm undoubtedly that I love her work which speaks tons of truth. She and her artistic talent ‘bouleversant’ are to be forever fixed on my mind, ever so representative of what the Googles, Amazons, Facebook s, etc. have made of our world and for the most part, that mankind generation who mustl survive.
    I do love that Cindy Sherman…!

    Liked by 4 people

    1. I knew you would love Cindy Sherman. Her photography drew me back for more than one visit, each time giving me an accelerated understanding of how she positions, angst, humour, horror, stories, symbolism, colour and visual stories, to “wake up” viewers. She does not hide from controversy as she transitions from series to series. Your poem “Emotions – held loopholes -“ says it best:

      “Emotions
      Held loopholes,
      Shape hyperbole
      For who venture,
      To cause disorder,
      In naive people’s soul.”

      Liked by 1 person

  12. This looks and feels close to heart for me.
    Glamorous Fantasy… almost and certainly. Not exactly, but I adore the take.
    Never heard of Cindy, so I thank you for this, Rebecca!
    {{hugs}}

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree – “not exactly.” That is a perfect description , Resa! What seemed familiar to me, was “not exactly” what I thought it was at first glance. By the way, I checked on the AGO and found that Cindy was there in October 1999 – January 2, 2000. What an amazing way to begin a new year, century, millennium. It would be interesting to have seen this retrospective and then be able to compare this retrospective. Alas, we cannot be in two places at once!! https://ago.ca/exhibitions/cindy-sherman-retrospective. Sending hugs and more hugs!

      Liked by 3 people

    1. I am so glad that you joined me at the Vancouver Art Gallery! Yes – Cindy Sherman’s images were quite disconcerting. And there were some that I didn’t include that were even more disconcerting. I heard many comments from fellow visitors as they tried to understand the portraits – there was both angst and humour within each, which is something of a paradox when found together. Some things take time for me to understand, which is why I came back several times to the exhibition. The quote that came to mind during one visit was by Banksy: “Art should comfort the disturbed and disturb the comfortable.”

      Liked by 3 people

  15. Rather overwhelming, Rebecca, to think of this woman’s creativity. She was/is her own canvas, so to speak.
    I love her ability to view herself in different hues/dimensions. Not static, but, constantly changing; not upward or greater, but, radiating from a central hub.
    Fascinating.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you for you insightful comments. Very well said, Carolyn!!! I especially appreciated the idea of a “central hub” that speaks from the soul of our creative spirit. Your use of the word ‘’radiate” is brilliant. Cindy Sherman chose art, while other use poetry, writing, dance to explore the undiscovered. And think of the sciences … it goes on and on doesn’t it?

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Fascinating artist and definitely disturbing. She challenges so many of our assumptions that what we observe is authentic. There’s a certain playfulness, even mockery at times. She reflects the sort of juvenile “dress-up” we engage in as children and often as some adults in the age of endless “selfies.” She’s very creative. Thank you for bringing another exhibit to us, including yourself 🙂

    Liked by 3 people

    1. I agree, Mary Jo – Cindy Sherman is fascinating and her artworks creates angst within the viewer in the way she displays cultural values. As for selfies – I read in one article that “Google reports that its Android devices take 93 million selfies per day, and in one poll, 18-to-24-year-olds reported that every third photo they take is a selfie.” YIKES!! I’m glad that you enjoyed the exhibition. It seems like such a long time ago and so many things have happened since March. Sending hugs!!

      Liked by 2 people

  18. She seems like a truly amazing woman. I agree with her quote. Although I take it a step further (most) people aren’t just accustomed to being told what to believe in — they are dependent upon it. :/
    Here’s to continually learning, and to developing great critical thinking skills.
    A lovely exhibit, Rebecca. Thanks for bringing us along. Hugs on the wing!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. Thank you for adding your insights, Teagan. What I found fascinating was Cindy Sherman’s ability to transition through the years, using the same format but creating entirely different stories. Some of her work is very difficult to view because she brings you into her world, and prompts an inner dialogue. The idea of redefining, reinventing and discovering ourselves are bordered by soft lines that are constantly in motion. We want to think for ourselves but the urge to belong is so strong within us. I love Marcus Aurelius’s thought on this, which confirms an universal theme: “I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.” I read a few articles and note that Cindy’s childhood was difficult, which I believe is a factor in her strength of character. I’m so glad that you joined me – always enjoy your company. Hugs coming back with all speed.

      Liked by 2 people

    1. Thank you Diana, for joining me and for your comments which are very much appreciated. This afternoon, my sister Sarah and I were discussion about Angela Lee Duckwoth’s book “Grit” which is the “power and passion and perseverance” something that Cindy Sherman has given in her extraordinary focus on her artistic journey. I love art galleries – they remind me that we are all creative.

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  20. I have no idea why you don’t appear in my reader, Rebecca. I have double-checked it with WordPress, I follow you. As I started checking who I follow and to manage the list, I lost touch with you again yesterday, counting all the ones that haven’t posted anything the last years, decluttering the list. In the meantime, I have seen the official video in this post twice, visited your excellent SmugMuggallery exhibition twice as I have also shown it Klausbernd. We haven’t been to an exhibition since Anish Kapoor in September and this was the closest possible viewing, thank you for sharing your insight and wonderful pictures! Amazon brought me two books about Cindy Sherman today and I look forward to browsing them in front of the fire now. Your article inspired me to do a lot of research on Cindy Sherman. She started with paintings but didn’t like the fact that they were only copying the works of others and thus changed to photography because the possibility to concentrate on an idea, something I personally greatly appreciate;
    “Frustrated with what she saw as the limitations of painting as a medium of art, she abandoned it and took up photography. “There was nothing more to say [through painting]”, she recalled. “I was meticulously copying other art, and then I realized I could just use a camera and put my time into an idea instead.”
    Love your Banksy quote, Rebecca, it’s in my book of gems.
    By for now, I’ll be back soon.
    Hugs to you, Don and Thomas
    🤗🤗🤗
    Dina-Hanne

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    1. I am continually confused by the WordPress reader. YIKES! I have lost many posts, then re-followed the blogs only to lose them again. I now have an e-Mail as a backup. The first time I attended the Cindy Sherman exhibition, I was overwhelmed and had difficulty processing her artwork. I recognized immediately that Cindy Sherman was (and is) one of the most important and influential artists in contemporary art. A friend of mine knows her personally and said that Cindy Sherman works tirelessly – total commitment to her art and “her ideas.” I read that she took photography, that was not yet fully understood to be art when she started out in the late 1970’s, and used the the concept of idea-based art to define her work. Her messages are strong, emotive and I left the Art Gallery that first day with my mind vibrantly active. I went back several times and found something new to consider every time I visited the exhibition. Have a wonderful time browsing your books in front of the fire. I am there with you. Many hugs and love coming back from us all on the other side of the world.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I wish I could have joined you at the exhibition. When I lived in Bonn, I had an art card for the Bundeskunsthalle and visited every new presentation with my best friend. Half a day in this magnificent building viewing artworks and listening to the curators, watching films, having lunch and a look at the visitors (many great personalities dressing up in cool colour combinations) was like a holiday, a very welcome break with an uplifting effect.

        Concerning your email as a backup for WordPress, I assume you use a different 📧?

        I looked at you various galleries on SmugMug; I had to laugh when I saw the book cover of “The Art of Rivalry”; it’s the book I’m reading right now! 🤓😍🤗😘

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      2. I loved that book!!! I need to go back and refresh my memory with all the stories. A key takeaway for me was that certain types of competition and rivalry have an extraordinary way of pushing us forward. Are you on Smugmug? It is a great platform that I use to keep track of my photos. Some people sell their photos through SmugMug. Incidentally, SmugMug purchased Flickr about a year ago. Whenever I enter an art gallery, I think that I have gone into a kingdom of magic. It is the most marvelous feeling. Yes to the email back-up.

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