Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills

Cindy Sherman’s Untitled Film Stills, a series of 69 black-and-white photographs created between 1977 and 1980, is considered one of contemporary art’s most influential achievements. Inspired by Hollywood archetypes, Sherman photographed herself in various female roles, from starlets and housewives to sophisticated urbanites. These staged “movie stills” explore cultural stereotypes and identity, reflecting how media shapes personal narratives. Her inventive approach turned pop-culture imagery into an artistic language, blending authenticity with artifice. The series, completed when Sherman was just 26, resonates because its characters feel familiar yet elusive, evoking instant recognition without overt irony or parody.

Sherman’s work gained critical acclaim, earning her exhibitions at major museums worldwide, including The Museum of Modern Art, which acquired Untitled Film Stills in 1995. A comprehensive book featuring the complete series followed, with Sherman arranging the images herself. Recognized as a pioneering American photographer, Sherman expanded her creative practice through color photography and continues to influence contemporary art. Her accolades include a MacArthur “genius” grant and a Guggenheim Fellowship, while her work remains in prestigious collections globally. She is represented by Metro Pictures gallery in New York.