Untitled #417 2004

Cindy Sherman's "Untitled #417" from 2004 is a self-portrait in which she portrays a clown, a persona often associated with amusement and lightheartedness. However, Sherman’s depiction is unsettling, featuring a distorted and somber facial expression. The clown's makeup and wig are stark and exaggerated, contributing to a sense of unease. The background, with its swirling abstract patterns, further amplifies the surreal and unsettling nature of the image. Sherman is known for her exploration of identity, gender, and the construction of self through her photographic work.