I wanted pretty pictures of older women - women who are trying too hard but succeeding - pulling off an extreme look. What I didn't know would creep into the portraits was a vulnerability behind the strong facade that most of them wear.
Interpretation
The quote reflects on the contrast between outward appearances and inner vulnerability in women.
Cindy Sherman expresses her desire to capture the complexity of older women in her portraits, highlighting how these women may project strength and confidence while simultaneously concealing deeper feelings of vulnerability. This duality reveals the struggles women face in conforming to societal beauty standards while also dealing with personal insecurities and emotions, ultimately enriching the narrative and depth of her art.
In practice
This quote can be used in discussions about the representation of women in art and media.
I like making images that from a distance seem kind of seductive, colorful, luscious and engaging, and then you realize what you're looking at is something totally opposite. It seems boring to me to pursue the typical idea of beauty, because that is the easiest and the most obvious way to see the world. It's more challenging to look at the other side.
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.
People think because it's photography it's not worth as much, and because it's a woman artist, you're still not getting as much - there's still definitely that happening. I'm still really competitive when it comes to, I guess, the male painters and male artists. I still think that's really unfair.
Bad actors try to cry, and good actors try not to. Bad actors try to laugh, and good actors try not to.
Fool," said my muse to me. "Look in thy heart and write.
Still photographs are the most powerful weapon in the world. People believe them, but photographs do lie, even without manipulation. They are only half-truths.
Architecture is not just for the moment, it is not just for the next fashion magazine.
Film seems to be a medium designed for betrayal and violence.
Recently I have been working in the country, where, carving in the open air, I find sculpture more natural than in a London studio, but it needs bigger dimensions. A large piece of stone or wood placed almost anywhere at random in a field, orchard, or garden, immediately looks right and inspiring.
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