recommended by: Petra X
This is the type of book I most enjoy after I’ve seen an exhibition and I read this cold, without really knowing anything about the artist. There are a couple excellent, essays and a short interview with John Waters, but the captions for each art piece don’t have the kind of extra information I like to read. While some of the works are shown so that their scale is obvious, and I did appreciate that, I don’t think they captured the power and feelings seeing the museum exhibit would. Seeing the exhibit first and then revisiting the art in the book would probably have felt more satisfying than just reading the book. Most of the art is not my cup of tea though, so if I’d seen the exhibit, this might not have been a book I’d have felt compelled to then read. It’s too narcissistic in my opinion, even though I understand the wanting to work mostly alone thing and know that’s why most of the photos are of the artist. Many of the pages’ art subject matter were so horrifying I just wanted to turn the page, as quickly as I could. But I have to admit the art was brilliant in a way as it gave me a lot to think about, and some of it, a relatively small amount, was enjoyable to view. I’m not sure how much I’d actually have a good time, but if a Cindy Sherman exhibit came to one of the museums where I keep a membership, and there was no additional charge, I’d probably go see it. I’d have to be in the right mood though. I actually know a couple young people who are artists and whose art (much of it photography) sort of reminds me of Sherman’s. I have to assume she’s been an influence on them. I’m going to ask. I’m a huge fan of art books, but I can’t say this is one of the many that’s brought me pleasure. I think I recommend this book for readers who are already fans of the artist or maybe those who often appreciate disturbing and/or unusual art that has the potential to make them feel and think. This wasn’t the right book for me at this time. 2 ½ stars ( )

Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0870708120, Hardcover)

Published to accompany the first major survey of Cindy Sherman's work in the United States in nearly 15 years, this publication presents a stunning range of work from the groundbreaking artist's 35-year career. Showcasing approximately 180 photographs from the mid-1970s to the present, including new works made for the exhibition and never before published, the volume is a vivid exploration of Sherman's sustained investigation into the construction of contemporary identity and the nature of representation. The book highlights major bodies of work including her seminal Untitled Film Stills (1977-80); centerfolds (1981); history portraits (1989-90); head shots (2000-2002); and two recent series on the experience and representation of aging in the context of contemporary obsessions with youth and status. An essay by curator Eva Respini provides an overview of Sherman's career, weaving together art historical analysis and discussions of the artist's working methods, and a contribution by art historian Johanna Burton offers a critical re-examination of Sherman's work in light of her recent series. A conversation between Cindy Sherman and filmmaker John Waters provides an enlightening view into the creative process.
Cindy Sherman (born 1954) is widely recognized as one of the most important and influential artists in contemporary art. To create her photographs, she assumes multiple roles of photographer, model, makeup artist, hairdresser and stylist. With an arsenal of wigs, costumes, makeup, prosthetics and props, the artist has altered her physique and surroundings to create myriad tableaux, from screen siren to clown to aging socialite. Over the past 35 years, Sherman has sustained a provocative investigation into the nature of identity, drawn from movies, television, magazines, the Internet and art history. Sherman lives and works in New York City.