Book Review: Meet Cindy Sherman: Artist, Photographer, Chameleon

BIBLIOGRAPHY
Title: Meet Cindy Sherman: Artist, Photographer, Chameleon
Authors: Jan Greenberg and Sandra Jordan
Publisher: Roaring Book Press
Publication Date: October 17, 2017
ISBN: 978-1626725201

PLOT SUMMARY
Greenberg and Jordan explore the career of the photographer Cindy Sherman, whose work is completely made up of self-portraits and is considered an influential contemporary artist (Museum of Modern Art, n.d.). This photo essay book follows Sherman's creative journey from childhood starting in 1964, her college years at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and her various exhibits and installations from 1978, to her major exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa) in 2012.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Greenberg and Jordan are the authors of several award-winning books about artists, many of them being Sibert Honor books. They included an extensive bibliography listing books, articles, websites, and videos as their sources. The books are especially reputable because many of them are catalogs of Sherman's work published by museums. A list of Sherman's artworks used in the book are also credited.

The book has a clear, chronological sequence, describing Cindy Sherman's growth as an artist from her childhood starting in 1964 to her exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 2012. The print is large and readable with a logical layout that is pleasing to the eye. The chapter headings are large and bold, complemented with photos that either take up full pages or flow seamlessly through the text, such as the images of Pages from "A Cindy Book," 1964-1975 which nestle cozily against a square paragraph of text (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 11). Another example is Untitled, 1975: Twenty-three black-and-white photographs in an accordion booklet, hand-colored, which stretches across the spread, flanked by the large, bold chapter headings, and the large pop-out text "She flunked the course and had to take it over" (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 14-15).

Greenberg and Jordan cleverly asked children questions to capture their reactions to Sherman's artwork, which were included in the book. Several of Sherman's works are paired with these comments, which are displayed in brightly colored text boxes. These comments give children examples of how they might consider the work, as well as encourage them to form their own thoughts and opinions. At the beginning of the book, the authors included a note to the readers about the questions they asked and these responses (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 5). They are clear in that there are no right or wrong answers, and invite the readers to join in voicing their thoughts about Sherman's work.

The book is attractive and inviting like a coffee-table book, as it is square and has a striking cover. The cover includes four portraits of Sherman and the word "chameleon" in the book title points out that each photo is of the same person. It immediately creates intrigue and wonder, making people question "How could this be the same person?" The pages are crisp and slick, providing clear and colorful prints of Sherman's photographs. As a contemporary artist, many of Sherman's portraits, especially in her later years, might confuse children, as well as defy what they consider to be art. Out of all the portraits in the book, it may actually be a portrait of Sherman herself that may shock readers the most. She is petite, blonde, and pretty, wearing a stylish outfit. She could be any woman you see daily, and is possibly the opposite of the stereotype children might have imagined the artist looked like.

A table of contents aids the reader in picking and choosing topics to read. The chapter titles indicate what they are about, such as "Where It All Began" and "College Days." The table of contents also points to additional sections called "Production Notes." This includes an in-depth study of Sherman's Untitled #571, which helps children learn how to analyze art. There is also a section in which Sherman describes her process, which is supported by a photo of Sherman's studio full of props and costumes, as well as a quick list of facts about Sherman. The photo juxtaposing the facts section is striking; like the revelation photo of Sherman on page 52, young readers may be surprised that Sherman defies the stereotype of what artists look like.

AWARDS
None

REVIEW EXCERPTS
"There’s a relative dearth of art books for kids focused on contemporary artists, and this masterfully executed biography of a fascinating working artist, written in a tone ideal for its target audience, will be invaluable for libraries hoping to enliven their arts collections." - Booklist, starred review

"In this era of Snapchat and Instagram selfies, Sherman’s explorations of identity and perception are perhaps more resonant now than ever, and Greenberg and Jordan distill the ideas lucidly for young readers." - The Horn Book, starred review
"This fascinating investigation of a significant U.S. artist will prompt endless discussions on art history, photography, pop culture, gender roles, and even selfies. A title not to be missed." - School Library Journal, starred review

"Well-chosen quotes from Sherman help explain her art and process, while colored boxes set off quotes from children and teens in which they respond to specific photographs. These quotes and the authors' own interpretations offer ways to understand Sherman's sometimes-controversial art. An introductory note invites readers to enter Sherman's world and "discover your own stories"; the book brilliantly gives them the tools to do so. An excellent, eye-opening exploration perfectly pitched to its audience." - Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"An engrossing examination of how, for decades, Sherman has trained a lens on herself and society at large." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

CONNECTIONSEnrichment activities: The book includes comments from young children responding to questions about Sherman's artwork, and were told that there are no wrong answers to these questions (Greenberg & Jordan, 2017, pp. 5). Children can be invited to answer these same questions about Sherman's artwork, either shown in the book, in another book about Sherman's work, or found online.

• What do you see?
• Who is the person in this photograph?
• What is happening here?

The author's also included a resource on their website for teachers and librarians to use (https://www.jangreenbergsandrajordan.com/pages/books/cindy-sherman/articles.html), which connects taking selfies on social media to Sherman's work. (Greenberg & Jordan, n.d.). This could inspire activities for children to take and edit their own creative selfies.

Related books:
Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2020). World of Glass: The Art of Dale Chihuly. Abrams Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 978-1419736810

Greenberg, J., Jordan, S., & Hooper, H. (2019). Two Brothers, Four Hands: The Artists Alberto and Diego Giacometti. Neal Porter Books. 
ISBN: 978-0823441709

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2013). The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius. Roaring Book Press.
ISBN: 978-1596438101

Greenberg, J., Jordan, S., & Floca, B. (2010). Ballet for Martha: Making Appalachian Spring. Flash Point.
ISBN: 978-1596433380

Greenberg, J., Jordan, S. & Parker, R. A. (2007). Action Jackson. Square Fish.
ISBN: 978-0312367510

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (2001). Vincent Van Gogh: Portrait of an Artist. Delacorte Books for Young Readers.
ISBN: 978-0385328067

Galassi, P., & Sherman, C. (2003). Cindy Sherman: The Complete Untitled Film Stills. The Museum of Modern Art.
ISBN: 978-0870705076

Moorhouse, P., & Simons, R. (2019). Cindy Sherman: That's Me. National Portrait Gallery.

ISBN: 978-1855147126

Sills, L. (2000). In Real Life: Six Women Photographers. Holiday House.
ISBN: 978-0823414987

Sullivan, G. (2006). Berenice Abbott, Photographer: An Independent Vision. Clarion Books.
ISBN: 978-0618440269

REFERENCES

Greenberg, J., & Jordan, S. (n.d.). Queen of the Selfie. Jan Greenberg Sandra Jordan. https://www.jangreenbergsandrajordan.com/pages/books/cindy-sherman/articles.html

The Museum of Modern Art. (n.d.). Cindy Sherman. The Museum of Modern Art. https://www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/1154?