Untitled Film Still #58
Untitled Film Still #58 (pictured above) was photographed in 1980 in New York for the Complete Untitled Film Stills exhibit at The Museum of Modern Art. This photograph is my favorite piece of conceptual art from the Post-Modern Period. I was immediately drawn to it. As I study the face in the photograph I feel apprehension and tense uncertainty. Sherman effectively lures me in and then leaves me wondering. She has me caring a little. How did she do that?
Untitled Film Still #48 was photographed in 1979 in New York. To some this may seem melancholic and tragic (why is she alone?) while to others it is a symbol of freedom and bravery(escaping an abusive relationship?). I wonder if we all find ourselves somewhere in her story. Do you see yourself somewhere in there? (Perhaps you identify with the suitcase… just joking.)
Untitled Film Still #3 was photographed in 1977 in New York. What do you see in her face and posture? Fear, confusion, distaste, detachment, pleasure, love, hate, what? It is difficult to be indifferent to any of these women for they all feel too personal and too real to be ignored. There is nothing incredible about her or about her surroundings. Her expression and posture are what makes us stop and think beyond what we thought we were seeing at first. What do you see?
Barbara Kruger, another American conceptual artist, was born in 1945 in Newark, New Jersey. She is most widely known for black-and-white photography with bold red and white captions that pack a punch usually criticizing popular culture, gender stereotypes, chauvinism and political authority. “I work with pictures and words because they have the ability to determine who we are and who we aren’t.” – Barbara Kruger
Your Comfort is My Silence was created in 1981 in New York. The “Your” in this caption does not seem to be pointed at the viewer and so we are pushed to think who the “your” and the “my” are referring to. A threat but to whom? Is it a glimpse into domestic violence or corruption within government? I see both; what do you think?
Your Body is a Battleground was created in 1989 in New York. Is Kruger making a statement about sexism, advertising, politics, religion or something else?
Thinking of You was created in 1999 in New York. Not one of the more peppy signs you’ve seen but who of us can’t identify with the message? Does it make you uncomfortable or does it make you laugh? I think we all have had at least one person in our lives we might consider sending this postcard to… but I wouldn’t recommend it.
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Conceptual art is the theory that the message to be delivered takes prominence over the material used to relay that message. Both of these artists use conceptual art to heighten awareness of evils within society by providing glimpses, some subtle, some bold, into individual experiences within that society. Some are witty and caustic while other are dark and menacing. Sherman has a gentleness about her work that I respond to while Kruger relies more on shock factor to demand attention. What is your reaction to these conceptual pieces?
Sources:
1.Untitled (Your Body is a Battleground) – 1989. Image Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://agant88.wordpress.com/2009/02/
2.Your Comfort is My Silence – 1981. mage Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://projects.ischool.washington.edu/tabrooks/598_Art/barbaraKruger.htm
3.Thinking Of You – 1999. Image Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://www.madebymany.co.uk/on-inspiration-00111
4.Untitled Film Still #58. 1980. Image Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://arts-sciences.cua.edu/hsct102/sherman%20pages/shermmain.html
5.Untitled Film Still #48. 1979. Image Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/1997/sherman/selectedworks.html
6.Untitled Film Still #3. 1977. Image Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://www.moma.org/interactives/exhibitions/1997/sherman/selectedworks.html
7. Cindy Sherman. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved on July 24th, 2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cindy_Sherman
8. Barbara Kruger. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved on July 24th,
2009 from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Kruger
9. Barbara Kruger. The Art History Archive – Feminist Art. Retrieved on July 24, 2009 from http://www.arthistoryarchive.com/arthistory/feminist/Barbara-Kruger.html
July 25th, 2009 at 7:28 am
Your theme was great and I loved the artists you picked. You definitely put a lot of thought into each piece of art and assisted me, as the reader, in creatively thinking and wondering about the intepretation meant by the artist. I think you stated all of the factual information accurately and did a great job of making sure each piece was done since 1975.
Your exhibit was intriguing and in response to Still #58, I feel like she is unsure, like she’s just made a decision and is looking back wondering about the upcoming uknown and sort of getting closure on the past and with the decision or event that just occurred. Still #48 actually makes me nervous because she is a woman standing on the roadside, seemingly hitch hiking. Was she doing this on her own accord or was this because she had nowhere else to go? Or is she just simply looking for an adventure and change? The third still is the one that provokes the most emotion from me. I feel like she is giving a look saying “don’t tempt me” or “did you really just say that?” and wondering what she will do next if provoked. I don’t feel that she looks weak or loving for that matter.
Your second set of conceptual art is not my favorite type of art. It leaves me confused and the pieces are so mysterious that they could be interpreted any which way one would like. I guess that is what makes them part of this era of art, the fact that a person has a choice on their interpretation. Although I’m not a fan of the artist, I believe it ties well into your theme of conceptual art.
July 26th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Way to go choosing photographs! I loved your selection- it was well put-together and insightful.
Did they state the factual information? Artist, title, place, etc.
Yes, yes and yes.
Did they create a theme for their exhibit?
Yes- I liked the way you used black and white photos, most dealing with women or cultural norms.
Did the works meet the criteria of 1975 or after?
Yep!
Was their an explanation for each work’s relationship to the theme and an aesthetic statement?
Certainly- the blogger did an awesome job of explaining the significance of each piece.
What is your reaction to the exhibit and the remarks of the curator?
I loved the exhibit, as it asks many questions, and answers none. I didn’t have much knowledge of conceptual art- I dug this post!
July 26th, 2009 at 12:07 am
I like your theme and your presentation of it in your blog! You covered all of the assignments parameters perfectly. My favorite picture is Untitled Film Still #48. The woman in it looks so innocent because of her child-like clothing and her posture yet she is standing on the side of a dark road, alone, waiting for the unknown. Looking at the picture gives me an angst feeling because I am worried about what will happen to her, who will pick her up? Where will she go? I enjoyed looking at your blog, good job!
July 28th, 2009 at 7:59 am
I really enjoyed your blog as well. I have always loved black and white photos, and the change in the social role and perception of women is such an ongoing battle – even today. Now I am going to have to look at the rest of the Cindy Sherman exhibit, they really are intriguing. As you mentioned, they are basic yet so far from it. Your comments were very thought provoking – nice job! The Barbara Kruger pieces are a little hard to figure out. They almost seem a bit intimidating – perhaps it is the blocks of red and bold print on top of the softer black and white photo. Makes the point come across a bit harsh in my opinion. Still, I think you did a wonderful job covering all of the assignment critera. Great selection and great blog!!
August 1st, 2009 at 2:25 am
Very comprehensive information on the works provided. Sherman’s pieces seem very thought out and well orchestrated. I’m glad you pointed out the posture and facial expressions and how they bear much discussion, I might have overlooked some of that. Kruger’s work seems very tied to words or writing. It is somewhat severe but at the same time funny. Thanks for the insight, nice exhibit.
January 25th, 2011 at 12:53 am
.”` I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives useful information ‘;”