Untitled #415 2004

Cindy Sherman’s Untitled #415 (2004) is a self-portrait from the artist’s “Clowns” series, in which Sherman uses elaborate costumes and makeup to explore themes of identity and performance. Here, she adopts the persona of a clown, complete with a sequined hat, oversized floral clothing, and a painted-on smile. The jarring juxtaposition of whimsical imagery and a somewhat melancholic expression invites viewers to question the nature of performance and the masks we wear in everyday life. Sherman’s "Clowns" series challenged the traditional approach to portraiture by exploring the performative nature of identity and the complexities of self-representation.