A window into an artist’s many faces

Cindy Sherman is a reluctant media subject -- it’s tough to hunt up more than a few interviews with the celebrated photographer. Could it be because Sherman, 54, is virtually always the subject in her own work?

In her series “Untitled Film Stills,” the artist morphs into female stereotypes from the movies of the ‘50s and ‘60s, including the Marilyn Monroe blond and the unhappy housewife. In “History Portraits,” the artist becomes figures from old master paintings, male and female. For “Sex Pictures,” Sherman combines her own image with prosthetic parts and mutilated dolls.

Lynn Zelevansky, LACMA curator and department head, contemporary art, won’t speculate on Sherman’s motivations but confirms that visitors will see Sherman in all guises in the large second-floor space that will house her work when BCAM opens.

BCAM is highlighting the influential artist, Zelevansky says, because the Broads have “a deep and long-term commitment to her work. It’s possible they have more works by her than any other place has; I know they have more than she has.”

Because of the fragile nature of photos, however, the Sherman pieces will be rotated out of exhibition. To see the inaugural selection, Zelevansky says, “show up during the first four months, to be on the safe side.”

-- Diane Haithman