Cindy Sherman (American, b.1954)

Photography

Who is Artist Cindy Sherman?

Cindy Sherman is an American photographer and performance artist best known for her series of self-portraits. These portraits make up the vast majority of Sherman’s career, indeed she’s been ongoing in this endeavor since the 1970s. Sherman has also produced several fashion advertisements and album covers for iconic bands like Babes in Toyland. Her film, Office Killer in 1997 featured many notable actors including Jeanne Tripplehorn and Molly Ringwald. While the film received mixed reviews, it is undoubtedly a Sherman piece, with a unique mixture of comedy, horror, and drama that feels instantly recognizable to those familiar with her work.

Her training was non-traditional compared to many other in the art establishment, a degree in visual arts from Buffalo State College where she started as a painter. During college she moved to her medium, photography, beginning her self-portrait series while still in school. In 1974 she created Hallwalls, an arts center. She has been exhibited at many of the most famous art galleries across the globe.

What type of art does Cindy Sherman create?

Cindy Sherman is a photographer, best known for her series of self-portraits, which she started in the 1970s and continues to this day. Since her first exhibition in 1981, she’s toured her photographs internationally, achieving success even in the face of some critic’s backlash. Her work has evolved over the years but has always remained true to herself -- never breaking character in interviews.

How often do Cindy Sherman’s photographs come up for auction?

Sherman has a less thorough history at auction than many of her other artists. Only recently has her work even been available for auction or sale. These works have commanded top dollar when they have become available, making it a prudent investment for serious collectors. Sherman’s most valuable work may still yet be in front of her.

How much is a Cindy Sherman portrait worth?

Cindy Sherman’s self-portraits have sold extremely well at auction. A few have sold for multiple millions of dollars. Much of her work sells between $200,000 - $300,000. Of these, most have outperformed their initial estimates, giving Sherman an upward trend that many in the art community see continuing forward into the coming decades.

Which Cindy Sherman photograph is the most valuable?

The most ever paid for a Cindy Sherman photograph was a whopping $6,773,000 at auction on November 11th, 2014 for the piece Untitled Film Stills (21) (unknown). It was previously exhibited at several international museums and famous galleries, including The Whitney Museum of American Art in 1987. It is a gelatin silver print and features Sherman in every still.

What are the most famous paintings by Cindy Sherman?

Cindy Sherman’s most famous piece may be Untitled (1981). It was featured in her original solo exhibition in 1981 that put Sherman’s work on the map. It shows Sherman lying on a tiled kitchen floor, orange and other warm colors in a pattern behind her. This work sold for $3,890,500 at auction in 2011 -- making it Sherman’s second-highest sale behind Untitled Film Stills (21) (unknown).