Claude Cahun

Who is Claude Cahun?

Claude Cahun, born Lucy Schwob, was a French artist, photographer, and writer. She was born on October 25, 1894, in Nantes, France, and died on December 8, 1954. Cahun is best known for her self-portraits and photomontages, where she played with gender identity and explored themes of self-expression and identity. She was associated with the surrealist movement and was an activist, challenging traditional gender roles and societal norms through her art and writing. Cahun’s work gained recognition posthumously, and she is now considered an important figure in the history of queer and feminist art.

Cahun was raised in a wealthy and intellectual family, which exposed them to literature, art, and philosophy from an early age. They developed a love for writing and poetry and adapted the name Claude Cahun in their teenage years, intending to adopt a gender-neutral persona. Alongside their stepsister and lifelong collaborator Suzanne Malherbe, they created many of their renowned works.

Cahun’s work was often Avant-garde and politically charged, particularly during the rise of fascism in Europe. they actively resisted the Nazis during the German occupation of Jersey where they engaged in acts of nonviolent resistance and produced anti-Nazi propaganda. Unfortunately, they were eventually arrested and sentenced to death, although their sentence was commuted due to the liberation before it could be carried out.

Despite their significant contributions to art and the surrealist movement, Cahun’s work remained relatively unknown until much later. Only in the 1980s did their photographs gain recognition and appreciation, and they are now considered influential figures in both surrealism and gender-related art.

This particular photo resembles to me the challenging questioning of social norms of identity that Claude Cahun does. I find this one the most intriguing and meaningful, as Claude Cahun not only changed her name but also shaved her head to challenge gender roles and show her way of self-expression. In this photo Claude Cahun is presented in a very masculine way, the way the makeup or posture and positioning, make her look like a male but the stance and mirror and clothes add a sense of femininity to it as well, almost making the viewer look at it and wonder, if she is female or masculine, but either way it does not matter as she is comfortable and confident in her skin. Also With the mirror, Claude is looking directly into our eyes yet in the mirror looking another way, which could almost symbolize that she is confident in the way she looks and will act like that but inside she is scared, and many different parts and thoughts run through her mind.

In this iconic self-portrait, Claude Cahun showcases their distinctive androgynous appearance, coupled with their surrealist-inspired utilization of reflective surfaces. these elements encapsulate the essence of Cahun’s immense artistic significance. Whereas mirrors traditionally served to accentuate feminist beauty or narcissism in classical portraits, Cahun reimagines their symbolism to challenge and reject such simplistic portrayals of gender.

This photo is also very impressive as back then there was no Photoshop or editing so Claude Cahun had to get the film from her photos, and overlaid them together.

The photograph portrays a disturbing sight – a fusion of two heads forming conjoined twins, created by the camera. The pair appears locked in a fierce struggle, each head reflecting contrasting emotions. One face appears awake, tense, and empathetic, gazing beyond the frame, eager to engage with the world. The other face is turned inward, fixated on its twin, masking its sinister intentions behind a single hooded eye. The overall countenance seems drugged, detached, and reminiscent of a vampire. The shaved heads further enhance the eerie feeling, evoking abnormality and illness. It is as if we are glancing at an image found within the pages of an aged medical manual. This picture vividly portrays a self torn apart, with the “normal” woman on the left tormented, hunted, and somehow disciplined by her nocturnal doppelgänger.

Cindy Sherman

Who is Cindy Sherman?

Cindy Sherman is an American artist and photographer known for her conceptual self-portraits. Born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Sherman rose to prominence in the 1970s by challenging traditional notions of identity and representation through her photographs. She often serves as both the model and the photographer in her work, donning various costumes, wigs, and makeup to create characters and explore themes such as gender, cultural stereotypes, and the portrayal of women in art and media. Sherman’s photographs have been exhibited internationally and have earned her critical acclaim as one of the most influential contemporary artists working today.

The photograph portrays a disturbing sight – a fusion of two heads forming conjoined twins, created by the camera. The pair appears locked in a fierce struggle, each head reflecting contrasting emotions. One face appears awake, tense, and empathetic, gazing beyond the frame, eager to engage with the world. The other face is turned inward, fixated on its twin, masking its sinister intentions behind a single hooded eye. The overall countenance seems drugged, detached, and reminiscent of a vampire. The shaved heads further enhance the eerie feeling, evoking abnormality and illness. It is as if we are glancing at an image found within the pages of an aged medical manual. This picture vividly portrays a self torn apart, with the “normal” woman on the left tormented, hunted, and somehow disciplined by her nocturnal doppelgänger.

Cindy Sherman is an American artist and photographer known for her conceptual self-portraits. Born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Sherman rose to prominence in the 1970s by challenging traditional notions of identity and representation through her photographs. She often serves as both the model and the photographer in her work, donning various costumes, wigs, and makeup to create characters and explore themes such as gender, cultural stereotypes, and the portrayal of women in art and media. Sherman’s photographs have been exhibited internationally and have earned her critical acclaim as one of the most influential contemporary artists working today.

Cindy Sherman is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential artists of our time. She is best known for her groundbreaking series of conceptual self-portraits, which she began in the late 1970s. In these photographs, Sherman explores the construction of identity by assuming different roles and personas, often challenging societal norms and stereotypes. Sherman’s work is characterized by her ability to transform herself into diverse characters through the use of costumes, props, makeup, and settings. She meticulously constructs each image, paying attention to every detail, including facial expressions, gestures, and body language, creating convincing and thought-provoking narratives. By stepping into various fictional roles, Sherman not only challenges traditional notions of portraiture but also questions how women have been historically depicted and objectified in art and media. Throughout her career, Sherman has delved into various themes and genres. Her early works, such as the “Untitled Film Stills” series, explore the language and tropes of Hollywood and film noir. In these images, Sherman assumes the roles of women from different cinematic genres, raising questions about female representation in popular culture.

In later series like “History Portraits” and “Clowns,” Sherman continues to challenge notions of beauty, aging, and the grotesque. She often utilizes prosthetics, masks, and distorted perspectives to subvert traditional expectations of appearance and identity. Sherman’s work has been widely exhibited in major galleries and museums around the world, and she has received numerous awards and recognition for her contributions to contemporary art. Through her provocative and highly influential photographs, Cindy Sherman has made significant contributions to the fields of photography, feminist art, and critical theory.

Cindy Sherman’s artistic talent extends beyond her meticulous planning and attention to detail in her compositions, props, and costumes. One of her remarkable abilities lies in her capacity to evoke and convey emotion in her photographs. Each image feels like a frozen moment of truth for the character portrayed. If her photographs were film stills, they would capture the exact moment when the protagonist experiences a profound revelation about their past and future.

Comprising of seventy black-and-white photographs, Cindy Sherman’s renowned series, “Untitled Film Stills,” features the artist assuming the roles of different archetypal female characters commonly seen in movies. Her portrayals encompass a range of personas, including the ingénue, working girl, vamp, and lonely housewife. The photographs are intentionally staged to resemble scenes from 1950s and ’60s Hollywood, film noir, B movies, and European art-house films. Notably, the images are printed in a format, scale, and quality reminiscent of the promotional stills used in the film industry. By photographing herself within these stereotypical roles, Sherman actively engages in a dialogue about the conventional portrayal of women in media. While it remains unclear if she released the camera’s shutter or employed technical assistance, Sherman is universally regarded as the mastermind behind these photographs, making her the author of the works. However, despite her evident presence in the images, the Untitled Film Stills series should not be interpreted as self-portraits.

One notable photograph by Cindy Sherman depicts a woman in a towel looking into a mirror. This photograph, like many of Sherman’s works, challenges traditional narratives surrounding female representation in art and media. With her signature focus on identity and performance, Sherman invites viewers to question the concept of the female gaze and the role of self-perception. In this particular image, Sherman presents a moment of vulnerability and introspection. The woman, draped in a towel, is caught in the act of examining herself in the mirror. By removing the external trappings of clothing, the focus shifts to the woman’s perception of herself, free from societal expectations or external influences. Sherman’s decision to include this moment in her repertoire speaks to the broader conversation on body image and self-reflection. Furthermore, Sherman’s use of a mirror introduces an element of self-awareness and self-reflexivity. By capturing the woman observing herself, the photograph raises questions about the construction and performance of identity. It prompts viewers to contemplate how one’s sense of self is shaped, influenced and sometimes distorted by external factors such as societal norms and media representations.

Through her photography, Cindy Sherman engages with complex themes of identity, gender, and self-perception. By presenting a woman in a vulnerable yet introspective state, she challenges viewers to critically examine traditional ideals and narratives surrounding women in the broader cultural landscape.

What are Identity politics?

Identity politics refers to a political approach that prioritizes the interests and concerns of specific social identity groups, such as race, gender, sexuality, ethnicity, religion, or disability. It recognizes that individuals’ social identities play a significant role in shaping their experiences, perspectives, and political interests. Proponents of identity politics argue that addressing the unique challenges faced by marginalized groups is necessary to achieve social justice and equality.

They believe that due to historical disadvantages and systemic inequalities, these groups require targeted policies and activism to address their specific needs and achieve equal representation and treatment. Critics of identity politics contend that it can foster division and fragmentation within society, as it emphasizes group identities rather than a shared sense of national or universal solidarity.

They argue that it can lead to a focus on individual grievances and personal differences, potentially undermining broader common goals. Critics also suggest that identity politics may contribute to the neglect of economic and class-based issues, diverting attention from socioeconomic inequalities.

What are culture wars?

Culture wars refer to societal conflicts and debates that revolve around opposing ideas and values related to social, cultural, and moral issues. These conflicts often occur within a specific society or between different societal groups who hold differing beliefs and perspectives on topics such as religion, sexuality, gender roles, family values, education, and national identity. Culture wars can arise when there are deep divisions and disagreements over what is considered acceptable or moral within a society.

These conflicts often manifest in public discussions, political debates, legal battles, and media portrayals. They can be seen as a clash between more traditional or conservative viewpoints and more progressive or liberal perspectives.

Culture wars can have significant implications for public policy, as they shape the way society addresses and legislates issues related to marriage equality, abortion, sex education, immigration, religious freedom, and other societal matters. They can also influence political campaigns and electoral choices, as candidates align themselves with particular cultural stances to garner support from their base.

The term “culture war” gained prominence in the United States during the late 20th century to describe the ongoing divisions and debates on various social issues. However, culture wars can occur in other countries as well, as societies grapple with changing values, norms, and ideologies.

How does it impact society?

Culture wars can have significant impacts on society in various ways:

1. Polarization and Division: Culture wars can deepen societal divisions, creating us-versus-them mentalities and fueling animosity between different groups. This polarization can lead to social fragmentation, hindering constructive dialogue and collaboration.

2. Political Gridlock: Culture wars often spill into the political arena, with parties and politicians aligning themselves with specific cultural positions to attract support. This can lead to political gridlock and hinder the ability to address pressing social and economic issues effectively.

3. Policy Making: Culture wars shape the development and implementation of public policies. Conflicting cultural values can lead to contentious debates and the formulation of policies that reflect the dominant ideology or compromise between divergent perspectives.

4. Legal Battles: Cultural conflicts often find their way into courts, leading to legal battles and landmark rulings that shape societal norms and practices. Supreme Court decisions on issues like abortion rights, same-sex marriage, and religious freedom often stem from culture war debates.

5. Social Change: Culture wars are linked to social change and progress. They can give impetus to social movements and activism, spurring new ideas, demands for equality, and promoting societal transformations. Culture wars can pave the way for greater acceptance and inclusion of marginalized groups.

6. Media Influence: Media plays a crucial role in culture wars, as it can shape public opinion and perpetuate or challenge cultural divisions. Media outlets often cater to specific audiences with particular cultural leanings, reinforcing existing biases and narratives.

7. Public Discourse: Culture wars influence public discourse by determining which topics dominate public conversations and how they are framed. This can impact public awareness, understanding, and the ability to engage in constructive discussions on important societal issues.

Ultimately, the impacts of culture wars on society depend on the intensity and duration of conflicts, the receptiveness of societal institutions to change, and the ability of individuals and groups to find common ground and foster dialogue.

How does Identity politics impact society?

Identity politics refers to political movements and ideas that are primarily concerned with the interests and perspectives of specific social groups based on their shared identity, such as race, gender, sexuality, religion, or nationality. The impact of identity politics on society is multifaceted and can be both positive and negative:

1. Empowerment and Representation: Identity politics can empower marginalized communities by giving them a voice and platform to express their unique experiences, challenges, and demands. It highlights the importance of representation and can lead to increased diversity in political leadership, media, and other influential spheres.

2. Social Justice and Equality: Identity politics aims to address historical and ongoing injustices by advocating for the rights and equality of marginalized groups. It brings attention to systemic discrimination and calls for policies and reforms to address these inequalities.

3. Fragmentation and Polarization: Critics argue that the emphasis on identity can lead to fragmentation and polarization within society. Instead of fostering dialogue and understanding, identity politics can sometimes contribute to heightened divisions and a sense of “us-versus-them” mentality.

4. Lack of Universalism: Another criticism is that identity politics can sometimes prioritize specific group interests over broader social or universal concerns. This can lead to a lack of focus on issues that affect society as a whole or result in exclusionary practices that undermine cooperation and inclusivity.

5. Intersectionality: Identity politics has played a crucial role in developing the concept of intersectionality, which recognizes that individuals hold multiple identities that intersect and interact with one another. This framework promotes an understanding of the complexities and overlapping forms of oppression and discrimination faced by individuals with multiple marginalized identities.

6. Backlash and Divisiveness: Identity politics has drawn criticism from those who see it as a source of division and a trigger for backlash. Some argue that it can exacerbate identity-based tensions and hinder efforts to foster national or collective unity.

7. Identity Salience: Identity politics can result in the increased salience of identity categories, wherein individuals may prioritize and define themselves primarily in terms of their group identities. This can have implications for intergroup relations and can hinder genuine dialogue, empathy, and cooperation between different social groups.

As with any socio-political concept, the impact of identity politics on society is nuanced and depends on how it is practiced, articulated, and understood. It can be a powerful tool for social change and justice, but it also poses challenges in terms of fostering unity and addressing societal divisions.

Cindy Sherman

My Photoshoot plan is to take images in the style of Cindy Sherman and go to different locations to take the photos and to wear many different outfits and do different makeup looks to get the idea of different stereotypes of women. The locations that I go will be linked to the locations that Cindy Sherman used for her photos, so that the photos look like they are in the style of her work. I will also take some photos in my house and in my kitchen to get the photos that Cindy Sherman took in her house.

The photos that I’m going to take I will change into black and white so that the pictures will be more realistic to Cindy Sherman’s work.

Claude Cahun

For my Claude Cahun inspired photoshoot I’m going to wear outfits that are seen as neither feminine or masculine and taking pictures in locations that are similar to were Claude Cahun took her photos and also the locations that she took her images in.

I’m going to try and recreate the outfits and looks that Claude Cahun did and try and use similar props to what Claude Cahun used. For Example for the first photo I’m going to use a mirror and use the pose that she uses in the image to replicate the photo. I’m going to make some of these photos black and white and the ones that have colour I’m going to keep in colour to get the photos more exact to Claude Cahuns photos.

After looking through a photography book on masculinity I found three photographers with photos I liked, now I need to choose one to use as a possible reference.

1. Fouad Elkoury

2. Collier Schorr

3. Mikhael Subotzky

Mind Map

Femininity Mood Board

This mood board shows general things that are related to women and that I could use as ‘props’ or ‘tools’ in my photoshoot. These include different hairstyles, which are more feminine, such as long hair, rather than shorter hair. It also includes things such as makeup, jewellery, clothing and nails. However, this mood board also includes stereotypes of women that I could also showcase in my photoshoot. These stereotypes include women being too emotional, or that women must be housewives and mothers. The colour pink is also stereotypically correlated with women. This mood board also includes places that typically suit a women or could be used as a background to make my photographs more feminine, such as meadows, or fields, as well as snowy fields, sunsets and flowery fields.

Masculinity Mood Board

This mood board includes ‘props’ or ‘tools’, which can be used for my photoshoot, to achieve a more masculine variety of photographs, such as weights, footballs, or the colour blue. This is because these are typically associated with males. There are also different outfits, such as suits and ties, or army camo clothes. Stubble could also be used to make the photoshoot more masculine. This mood board also includes stereotypes of men, such as they are fathers, aggressive and restrain their emotions. These stereotypes could be used to help position and pose my model, so they look more masculine.

Women were often valued for how they looked and not what they did. Looks and behaviours contribute to being feminine like having softer features, long hair and a smaller frame and curves. While these are all stereotypical ideas, women have and continue to move forward in the world. When thinking of femininity you often picture beauty, as beauty associates with women rather than a women doing what she loves or what she does.

The term ‘femininity’ has been adapted over time, for example in the 20th century women were expected to be:

• Passive
• Sensitive
• Emotional
• Gentle
• Caring
• Nurturing

These photos show the evolution of what is perceived as femininity and women throughout the last century

1920s

1930s

1940s

1950s

1960s

1970s

1980s

1990s

2000s

2010s

2020s

As you can see, starting from the 1970’s women began to wear more uni- sex clothes e.g. blazers and jeans which eventually grew more and more for it to be normal and daily clothing. This shows that from the 1920s you had to reach the feminine stereotypes and look a certain way however nowadays wearing anything is still classed as feminine.

Cindy Sherman

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer, born 19th January 1954, New Jersey, United States. Her work consists primarily of photos which depict herself in many different contexts and as various different imagined characters. Sherman usually inserts herself into a dialogue about stereotypical portrayals of women in her photographs, which resemble scenes from 1950s and 1960s films.

Her art plays on the feminist idea that gender arises exclusively within culture and deconstructs dominant gender ideologies, representing the underside of popular culture’s definition of “woman.”

Sherman has received numerous awards, including the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in Photography in 1999 and a MacArthur Foundation fellowship in 1995. She lives and works in New York.

Here, in this photo, feminism is shown as it shows a woman in the kitchen. Its stereotypically known that a woman is ‘meant to be’ in the kitchen.

This picture shows femininity as it shows a woman in front of the mirror dressed all nicely and girly. It is expected for women to dress in a specific way. She is also posing in an innocent, nurturing, and accommodating way.

Sherman’s photographs visually describe the feminist social constructionist argument that there is no natural identity behind the mask of gender. Women affirm their gender identity through performative behaviour.

What is femininity?

Femininity is a set of characteristics, behaviours, and qualities traditionally associated with women and girls. It typically includes aspects such as tenderness, nurturing, empathy, sensitivity, gracefulness, modesty, gentleness and a focus on relationships and community.

What is masculinity?

masculinity is a set of characteristics, behaviours, and qualities traditionally associated with men and boys. Typically includes traits such as strength, courage, assertiveness, independence, competitiveness, resilience and a focus on achievement an success.

What is identity?

Identity refers to the qualities, characteristics, beliefs and values that define an individual or a group. it is a multidimensional and complex concept that encompasses various aspects of a persons life, such as heir race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, nationality, religion, social class, and personal experiences. identity can also be influenced by external factors such as culture, society and interactions with other individuals. It plays a significant role in shaping an individuals sense of self and how they relate to others.

.

Photoshoot plan

Here’s some of the ideas I have from the relation of what I’ve studied and artists I’ve studied, as well as me as a person and what I do and how I am the way I am.

Here is an example of what I am looking to achieve, and photos similar to these…

The makeup, hair, nails, outfit all need to be in bold, revealing the femininity within these images. They need to be beautiful and sharp as well as going for a strong jawline and out lining women’s curves.

Here is an example, showing you how a pose can make you look very feminine.

Just a difference with the way you stand can change a lot.

Justine Kurland

Justine Kurland is an American fine art photographer, based in New York City. She tries to remsble girlhood in her photos, Girlhood is the period of a female person’s life during which she is a girl. She had shared responsibility for her brother since girlhood. Her girlhood dream had been to study painting..

She is best known for photographing subjects in American wilderness landscapes.

Here is my shot of these photos:

These photos show girlhood and girls having fun, inspired by Kurland.

Photoshoot one

Cindy Sherman

Here are some edited photos in Lightroom of our first shoot- inspired by Cindy Sherman and Kulrland.

Here is some of Sherman’s work and why and how it inspired me, its more about the image for me and how she portrays females in todays society even though the photos she took were years ago , in the 90s.

These photos represent our female society and girlhood as they show  how Sherman represented her women are images of women, models of femininity projected by the media to encourage imitation and identification.

I want to outline the best bits of women and how much beauty we have in us.

We as women are strong, we will have bad and good days and photos can represent a lot about what we have to go through as women on the daily all the time as photos show empathy, struggle, pain, love, beauty and much more. Feminine photos inspire me because it shows such a strong sense within the images.

What does Cindy Sherman’s art represent?

Sexual desire and domination, the fashioning of self-identity as mass deception, these are among the unsettling subjects lying behind Sherman’s extensive series of self-portraiture in various guises. Sherman’s work is central in the era of intense consumerism and image proliferation at the close of the 20th century.

Photoshoot two

Cahun’s work:

Early life:

Claude Cahun, born with the name ‘Lucy Renee Mathilde Schwob’, was a French writer, sculptor and photographer. Cahun was born into a wealthy Jewish family. In her late teens and early twenties Cahun had been looking for a new, gender-neutral name for a while. Around 1914, she changed her name to Claude Cahun. Cahun is most known for her self-portraits that portray her as ambiguously gendered and as different characters. Cahun started taking her first self-portraits around 1912, when she was 18, and continued taking images of herself throughout the 1930s, creating a lifelong obsession with examining gender, using herself as subject. Marcel Moore, born Suzanne Alberte Malherbe, and Cahun met when they were only 17 and 15. From this onwards, they created an artistic and romantic partnership together. The two became step-sisters in 1917 after Cahun’s divorced father and Moore’s widowed mother married. During the early 1920s, they settled in Paris together. She and Moore then returned to Jersey to live, taking up their old names and letting people assume they were sisters. For the rest of their lives together, Cahun and Moore collaborated on various written works, sculptures, photomontages and collages. 

Work:

Artist inspiration

For all of my photoshoots, I was inspired by Claude Cahun. I have picked this particular photo because we tried to recreate one of Cahun’s artworks as much as possible. As you can see, both of these images are in black and white, and the subject holds a miserable face towards the camera. I think this is really effective as it makes the viewer question what the story behind the image is.