Untitled #92 is one of Cindy Sherman’s most iconic photographs, part of her Centerfolds series from 1981. The idea was originally to publish these images in Artforum magazine, mimicking the horizontal fold-out format of magazines like Playboy. But instead of showing seductive women, Sherman does the exact opposite—she presents emotionally charged scenes, with women who seem vulnerable, confused, or caught in unsettling situations. In the end, the magazine decided not to publish them, worried that the images could be misunderstood.
In Untitled #92, Sherman portrays herself as a young woman lying on the floor, with an expression of fear or distress. It feels like something serious has just happened—or is about to. There’s no clear story, but the image is full of tension, and that ambiguity is part of what makes it so powerful.
As with most of her work, Sherman does everything herself: she does the makeup, costumes, sets the scene, and takes the photo. She’s not photographing herself as Cindy Sherman, but as a character she’s created. What’s fascinating is how she plays with the female stereotypes we constantly see in the media—but instead of reinforcing them, she completely flips the script. There's no glamour or desire here—just discomfort, fear, and a narrative the viewer has to piece together.
Though the images may seem simple, they’re a powerful critique of how women are represented in visual culture. And that’s a big part of why Cindy Sherman is considered one of the most influential contemporary artists. Works like Untitled #92 have sold for millions at auction and are part of major art collections around the world.
