DECENTERING THE FEMALE STEREOTYPE CINDY SHERMAN: UNTITLED FILM STILLS SERIES 1.978 — 1980 LAURIE SIMMONS: PHOTOGRAPHS 1978 - 1.979

Abstract

This paper delves into the work from the late 1970s to early 1980s of the American photographers Cindy Sherman and Laurie Simmons who break down or decenter feminine stereotypes that were based on the conditioning of the mass media. Sherman and Simmons both look to the 1940s, 50s, and 60s popular culture and set female roles of those times as inspiration for their artwork. Discussed in this paper is Sherman's Untitled Film Still series from 1978 -1980 where she transforms herself into many female types based on film heroines. Each of these photos is a simulacrum, which strips away any true reference to an actual film. Simmons' collection of 1950s objects from her past inspire her to create photographic images portraying the expected norms of this time period which resonate on a deep psychological level. Simmons' scenarios of dolls in a dollhouse setting, acting out female roles in a constructed environ.ment, offer the audience a disquieting look into the established gender roles of our society.