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art inspired: cynthia sherman, untitled film still #7

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Cindy Sherman is one of my favorite artists, but for some reason I find it tricky writing about her work. Her self-portraits of anonymous identities are always a play on gender expectations--thought provoking yet so strangely accesible, which I suppose is the mark of great postmodernist work. Untitled Film Still #7 is a favorite of mine because it touches on a familiar old boozy Hollywood feel, bringing to mind the iconic Bert Stern portraits of Marilyn Monroe with a little Italian movie star thrown in, but is entirely without reference--there's no movie to go with the still.

Sherman_Untitled2



Would you wear today's art inspired look? If so, meet me at my favorite dive bar in Santa Monica for a drink, you know the one...

trustyourstyle/cindysherman


Prada sunglasses $350; Dolce Gabbana black evening dress; $2,155 - matchesfashion.com; Lucie Campbell stud earrings $6,160 - ylang23.com; Chase Martini Glass $12 and Tipsy Pimento Olives $3.50 - crateandbarrel.com; Delman Black Kitten Heel $275; Marilyn Monroe: The Complete Last Sitting $175 and Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills...$30 - amazon.com; Forzieri sterling silver key chain $185 - forzieri.com; Jimmy Choo clutch $1,295 - net-a-porter.com.

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25 Comments:

Anonymous Cafe Fashionista said...

Oh, I think this may be my favorite Art Inspiration post of yours yet, Mary Jo! That evening dress is perfection - j'adore the lingerie-esque aesthetic! :)

6:25 AM  
Anonymous Lee Oliveira said...

Oh those Prada sunglasses are major..
love it
Lee x

7:51 AM  
Blogger Relyn said...

I am eager to explore her work. I'm glad you shared her with us.

7:54 AM  
Blogger Alexa said...

Love that photo and the board you made is perfection. Would die for that dress! Beautiful!

8:13 AM  
Anonymous classiq said...

This is exactly what this still brings to my mind: old boozy Hollywood feel and a little Italian neo-realistic film inspiration, reminding me of Anna Magnani. What can I say about the outfit? I want it from head to toe. ;) Have a great day, Mary Jo! xo

8:37 AM  
Anonymous Alexis of NorthOnHarper said...

I have been loving those Prada Sunglasses for a bit now.... so yes, yes I would wear this look (even if it turned me in to a secret lush!).

9:07 AM  
Blogger Audrey Allure said...

Loving that inspired look - that clutch is gorgeous!

9:12 AM  
Blogger quintessence said...

TOTALLY with you on every aspect of this post! Just love Cindy Sherman and I think you described her appeal very accurately. Adore every single one of your fabulous picks!!

10:54 AM  
Blogger About Last Weekend said...

I don't know as much about Cindy Sherman as I should and this has inspired me to read about her more. You've got the sense of her perfectly in this outfit - that dress is incredible.

11:16 AM  
Blogger Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou said...

HOW FUN IS THIS! Love this Art Inspiration post ... this photo so looks as if it's part of a movie. Sure, I'd wear the look .. what time should we meet?! ;) xoxo

Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

12:13 PM  
Anonymous Meghan @ Wishful Thinking said...

Lol! Love this look! I wish I could pull it off!

12:23 PM  
Blogger Mell said...

I love this look.
It's so lovely.
Xx Liefs

1:07 PM  
Blogger TERI REES WANG said...

It looks like a still from an off stage shoot.
Life to the right of the art... or the left, depending on your P.O.V.

It makes for a good reminder to stage our own style.
Cheers!

2:36 PM  
Blogger THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE said...

You described it perfectly!!! And I have to say, this is a look I love. LOL. I'll meet you there :) xoxo

3:11 PM  
Blogger Kristin said...

Love those sweet little kitten heels!

5:56 PM  
Blogger Deidre said...

sadly this style doesn't look particularly fab on me, I don't have the curves to pull it off. But I wish i wish I did!

11:44 PM  
Blogger Claire said...

very fun! love the dress and those sunglasses, oh and a dirty martini. mmm, love one of those!

spinning-threads.blogspot.com

12:14 AM  
Blogger MM said...

Very inspiring, honey! You have created an amazing look, as always!! Love that dress!!

Have a beautiful Wednesday!!

Hugs and kisses

3:40 AM  
Anonymous design elements said...

i'm with you! wonderful description, Mary Jo! inspiring post! hugs hugs

8:27 AM  
Blogger Couture Carrie said...

Love the inspiration and look, especially that dress!

xoxox,
CC

4:38 PM  
Anonymous Meta Musings said...

Love the old hollywood feel! Cool sunglasses! xx

6:31 PM  
Blogger LOIS said...

Thank you so much for your comment on my blog, even if it is a long time back. I'm sorry i didnt get back to you earlier. CINDY SHERMAN IS AMAZING. We studied her in school this year. I think her photography is ace. Her film stills are always so interessting. Love Lois xxx

http://lisforlois.blogspot.com/

10:52 PM  
Blogger Krystal said...

that is a killer look, i would rock it :)

2:18 AM  
Blogger Michelle Lee said...

amazing dress!

4:44 AM  
Blogger Heather Fonseca said...

I love the dress!!!! Of course it's D&G.
I've never even heard of this artist, but I love the photo and I love love love your fashion combinations!

Love,
Heather
http://thestyleconfessions.com/

7:44 AM  

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