Identity

For my final images in this identity project, I selected this series because they effectively capture female stereotypes in a playful and exaggerated way, drawing inspiration from Cindy Sherman. Her work explores identity, performance, and the construction of femininity, which I aimed to reflect through these staged portraits.

I chose these specific images because they showcase a range of over-the-top expressions and poses that highlight different stereotypical portrayals of women, particularly in relation to beauty, vanity, and performative femininity. The use of bold makeup, oversized hair rollers, and a glamorous satin robe enhances the theatrical feel, making the subject appear almost like a caricature of traditional beauty standards.

Each image plays with the idea of femininity as a performance, with exaggerated expressions that range from playful confidence to sultry allure. The lipstick application and open-mouthed pose, for example, reference the expectation that beauty is both a ritual and an obligation for women. By emphasizing these details in a humorous and exaggerated manner, I wanted to challenge how these stereotypes are both reinforced and internalized.

I aimed to create thought-provoking yet visually engaging images that reflect the societal pressures placed on women. The staged, performative nature of the series ties back to Sherman’s conceptual approach, making these selections the strongest representation of my exploration of identity and gender roles.

I chose to include this second set of images because it explores a different side of female stereotypes, contrasting with the playful and glamorous feel of my first set. These have a moodier vibe to them, playing into the idea of the ‘mysterious’ or ‘rebellious’ woman often seen in films and media.

The cigarette, dramatic lighting, and detached expression plays into the stereotype of the ‘troubled woman’ a figure that is often romanticized in popular culture. The shadows and natural light add to the atmosphere, making the images feel more cinematic and reflective.

I wanted to include this set to show a contrast between two extremes of femininity -the over-the-top, glamorous persona in my first set and this more detached, ‘deep in thought’ stereotype. Both tie back to Cindy Sherman’s work and her exploration of constructed female identities.

Comparison to Cindy Sherman

When I compare my photos to Cindy Sherman’s work, I feel like we’re both exploring similar ideas around gender, identity, and the roles society expects women to play. Sherman critiques these stereotypes by creating exaggerated characters and using herself as the subject. With my photos, I focused on those same expectations, specifically through the rituals of doing hair and makeup.

The tone of my work, though, feels a bit different. Sherman’s photos often have this unsettling vibe, while mine are more playful and light-hearted. I wanted to keep things fun and relatable, but still make people think about how these routines connect to societal pressures.

Visually, Sherman’s work is very theatrical and carefully staged, with dramatic lighting and props that make her characters feel larger than life. In my photos, I used exaggeration in the poses and actions, but I kept the scenes grounded in the everyday. I think this gave my work a lighter tone, while still paying homage to her ability to critique through performance.

In the end, I think my photos reflect the spirit of Sherman’s work, challenging ideas about femininity, but with my own twist that feels more playful and true to my perspective.

Creative Portraits

Studio Portraits

Environmental Portraits