CINDY SHERMAN (B. 1954)

Untitled Film Still (#14) (1978) is among Cindy Sherman's most thoughtfully and exquisitely staged Film Stills. Using her own living space as a set and darkroom, Sherman strategically positions her mirror, table, and portrait to create this narrated tableaux. Portraying the role of a dark-haired vixen, Sherman's character wields her evening bag like a weapon as she casts a hesitant glance in the direction of a visitor whose presence is only suggested by drifting cigarette smoke and a coat hung over the chair that is visible only in the reflection of the mirror. Anticipating such series as the Centerfolds, these situations, in which women are compromised of victimized, highlight Sherman's interest since the 1970s in drawing attention to the issues surrounding the representation of women-particularly in photography and film.