“Untitled Film Still #17” is a black-and-white photograph created by artist Cindy Sherman in 1978. Part of the “Untitled Film Stills” series, it belongs to the Feminist Art movement. Sherman’s work is categorized under the genre of photography and often explores themes of identity and representation.
This particular image captures a woman in what appears to be an urban setting. The architecture in the background suggests a city environment with tall buildings and distinct architectural details like arched windows and ornate facades. The subject is gazing off into the distance with a somewhat contemplative or perhaps wistful expression. She is wearing a light-colored blouse adorned with a floral pattern and a scarf or head covering tied under her chin, which may imply a sense of elegance or an attempt to protect herself from the elements.
The photograph has a cinematic quality to it, reminiscent of a scene from a mid-20th-century film, which is characteristic of Sherman’s “Untitled Film Stills” series. Cindy Sherman uses her images to explore various societal roles and stereotypes, particularly those of women, and this staged self-portrait can be understood as a commentary on the construction of female identity and the performative nature of gender.
Sherman’s work in this series often leaves the narratives ambiguous, which encourages the viewer to project their own interpretations or stories onto the images. “Untitled Film Still #17” is a quintessential example of Sherman’s exploration into the complexities of representation and the malleable nature of self-image.
