Untitled #198 1989

Cindy Sherman made this photograph, ‘Untitled #198,’ in her studio. I see a figure obscured by a cloud of white feathers. It’s surreal and theatrical, I can imagine Cindy in her studio, surrounded by props and costumes, transforming herself into a character. I think she probably stood in front of the camera, trying out different poses and expressions, maybe feeling a bit silly or self-conscious. It reminds me of my own process in the studio, experimenting with different colors and textures, trying to find the right combination that will convey the feeling or idea I’m after. There is so much ambiguity here – it's really creepy but funny at the same time. Sherman’s work has had a huge impact on contemporary photography and feminist art. Like a lot of artists, Cindy is in conversation with the artists that came before, playing with ideas of identity and representation. Sherman embraces ambiguity and uncertainty, and invites us to engage with these images in our own way.