1.Which of the artists many technical choices are of interest to you and why?
I am interested in Sherman's decision to create self-portraits. Somehow removing the male gaze from behind the camera emphasizes the ridiculousness of Hollywood scenarios. These photos are not made by a man objectifying a woman for the fantasy of the male gaze. They are made by a woman objectifying herself as a way to subvert the fantasy of the male gaze.
2. What do you believe are the artists conceptual and/or thematic intentions?
I believe Sherman's intention was to reveal the absurdity of the narrow stereotypes and tropes women have been forced into through out history in art and literature. Sherman, a very real three-dimensional woman, appears very two dimensional, both literally and metaphorically, as she photographs herself taking on classic personas delegated to women. At times she appears as a damsel, at other times a hero, but never as a realistic depiction of a woman. Though these male-oriented stereotypes of women are ridiculous and fictitious, real women may take on these roles consciously or not due to the sheer pervasiveness of the male fantasy in a patriarchal society. Often these fictitious roles are forced upon real women by men other times women may take on these roles as a survival mechanism.
3. How do you personally respond to these choices and intents?
There is a lot to unpack in these photos. I was drawn to the photos because of their Hollywood seduction, but they stuck in my mind because of their conceptual intent. I am not sure I fully understand the meaning of this particular work. These photographs deserve more contemplation than I am giving them for the purpose of this blog. I believe to fully comprehend this work I will have to continue coming back to this photo series over a period of time. Even then I'm not sure if I'll completely grasp, Sherman's conceptual intent. These are the type of photos where no matter how many times you look at them there will be something new to see and ponder.
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