Meta narrative(S) At Play in the Work of Cindy Sherman
Introduction
The work of Cindy Sherman is influential in the field of photography. This is due to her unique approach, which utilized the concept of meta-narratives effectively creating a postmodern approach in the field. This approach revolutionized the visual art category in the period between the late 70s to the early 80s (Hattenstone 1). Even though explaining postmodernism is a difficult endeavor. The concept is apparent in the photograph collection of the Sherman. In order to comprehend the approach according to the works of Sherman, it is crucial to explore several perspectives in the field.
Background and Description of Postmodernism
Art was influenced by several viewpoints. This is evident in the modernism and post modernism era. According to the perspective of modernists, the world was understood through the scopes of science and logic. This meant that the problems experience by the society could be addressed using the definition of self. This was the basis of the postmodern approach where philosophers like Jean-François Lyotard explored the concept of postmodernism. The correlation between postmodern thinkers like Lyotard and the works of Sherman is that both depict a skeptical attitude towards against the truth, which is considered as absolute in the society. This meant that both parties did not believe that the reality of individuals was dependent on their experiences, culture, place and time. This is influential in the contemporary scenario, whereby, describing a grand narrative is difficult (Hattenstone 1). This is due to the media saturation, which is experienced in the modern situation. Individuals have their unique sense of reality. Therefore, individuals are characterized by a constant shift in their realities making their conceptions on life complex. This concept is evident in the analysis of works by Sherman making her an influential visual artist in this regard.
The influence of postmodernism in Sherman’s work (Untitled Film Still #14)
In order to recognize the influence of meta-narratives in Sherman’s work, it is crucial to explore some of her pieces. For instance, the untitled film is a prominent example. The black and white images in the Untitled Film Still #14 involved a scenario where she impersonated being an actress in different roles where she imagines different careers. This content is consistent with the premise of meta-narratives. In the album, some photos appeared to be taken from outside, but they involve an interior which is prepared meticulously by the photographer. The first impression of the works appears to suggest that they are from a movie scene. This is because the roles adopted by Sherman appear to be familiar to the audience. For instance, in the album, she depicts the role of a working girl from the city (Westerbeck 1). Various characters are evident, and this included a passive, vulnerable and seductive individual consistent with female characterization. In the pictures, she could pass as a housewife or a hooker.
The photographs in the album appear to be components of a bigger narrative. However, the narrative is not a reality since it is the creation of the photographer and the audience. The preconceptions of the audience are inclined to the societal perceptions of the role of women (Westerbeck 1). The pictures depict that the perceptions in the contemporary culture have been absorbed by the society in the extent that they have blurred the reality.
Conclusion
The works of Cindy Sherman are a prominent example of the use of meta-narratives in visual art. The works suggest that the perception of the reality in the society has been influenced by preconceptions. This means that the reality is unique among individuals. The approach is consistent with the premise of post modernist whose perceptions were influential in art.
Work Cited
Hattenstone, Simon. Cindy Sherman: Me, myself and I. The Guardian. 2011.
Retrieved on 31st march, 2013 from <http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2011/jan/15/cindy-sherman-interview>
Westerbeck, Charles. Cindy Sherman, Untitled Film Still #21. www.bbc.co.uk . 2007. Retrieved on 31st march, 2013 from <http://www.bbc.co.uk/photography/genius/gallery/sherman.shtml >
