Untitled #141Cindy Shermanová · 1985

The Composition of a Character

A black and white photograph from 1985 presents a single figure positioned within an indoor setting. The man in the image wears a checkered jacket and a dark patch covering his left eye, reminiscent of pirate attire. His face is visible, though the eye patch obscures one side of his gaze. The lighting creates shadows across the textures of the fabric and the skin. In the background, two chairs are placed within the room; one sits to the left near the man, while another is situated further back on the right. A handbag rests on the floor to the left of the subject, and a tie hangs nearby. The arrangement of these objects—the chair, the bag, and the hanging garment—suggests a space prepared for a performance or a costume-related event.

Technique and Contextual Framework

The work utilizes monochrome photography to emphasize contrast and form. By removing color, the focus shifts to the patterns of the checkered jacket and the starkness of the eye patch against the skin. This piece belongs to a period in 1985 when the artist explored themes related to fairy tales and grotesque narratives, often utilizing prosthetics and theatrical elements to construct personas. The photograph functions as a study of a constructed identity, where the subject adopts a specific role through clothing and accessories. The presence of everyday items like a handbag and a tie alongside the costume creates a tension between the mundane environment and the theatrical character. This method of using the self as a model allows for an examination of how much of a persona is built through external, superficial cues.