The recent exhibition Cindy Sherman at Cycladic: Early Works at the Museum of Cycladic Art in Athens provides a profound lens through which we can examine the interplay of femininity, identity, and image. Sherman’s work explores themes of constructed identity and societal influences on self-perception, inviting us to question how much of our sense of self is sculpted by external pressures. Using perspectives from social psychology, psychoanalytic theory, and feminist critique, we can delve into how media shapes these identities, particularly for women.
Sherman’s images challenge conventional ideas of femininity and identity as purely individual expressions, suggesting instead that they are deeply entwined with societal standards. Feminist theories have long argued that much of what we consider ‘feminine’ is a cultural construct, shaped by media representations rather than inherent qualities. From a psychoanalytic perspective, internalising these ideals creates an inner conflict, a split between the authentic self and the ‘ideal self’ that society projects.
Media’s Role in Shaping Identity
Social psychology has shown that societal standards, amplified by media, significantly shape self-perception and gender identity. Constant exposure to idealised images in social media and mainstream media can distort one’s sense of self. For young women especially, social media magnifies the pressure to embody an identity that aligns with prescribed ideals of femininity.
Sherman’s self-portraits embody this tension, as she assumes various stereotyped female roles. By portraying herself through these constructs, Sherman urges viewers to confront the superficiality of these identities, revealing how femininity, as Judith Butler has argued, is a “performance” rather than an innate quality. Her work raises the question: to what extent are we performing our identities to satisfy social expectations?
Psychoanalytic Perspectives on Identity Formation
From a psychoanalytic viewpoint, forming an identity involves reconciling the self with external expectations. For many women, media-fuelled ideals become internalised, embedding in their psyche as part of their self-concept. This unconscious acceptance of ideals often leads to inner conflict as one strives to meet the “ideal self” that society projects.
Case Study: A Psychoanalytic Approach to Identity and Media Influence
Consider a client, Maria, a 28-year-old woman grappling with self-esteem and body image concerns. In therapy, Maria disclosed spending hours on social media, comparing herself unfavourably with influencers and celebrities. While she rationally knew these images were curated, she still felt inadequate. Her conscious mind rejected these ideals, yet her unconscious absorbed them as standards to live up to.
Through a psychoanalytic approach informed by feminist theory, Maria explored the origins of her beliefs around femininity and self-worth. In her family, femininity had been linked with physical beauty and restraint, qualities that were consistently praised. From a psychoanalytic perspective, these ideals became embedded in her superego, enforcing rigid and often unattainable standards.
Using free association, Maria began to uncover memories associated with feeling judged by her appearance—whether from family, peers, or her own internalised voice. Bringing these memories into consciousness allowed her to understand how societal standards had shaped her inner conflicts. Drawing on feminist theory, we discussed how these ideals were not inherently hers but were instead societal constructs.
To further this process, Maria engaged in visualisation exercises, creating mental images of her “authentic” and “constructed” selves. Over time, she began to integrate these aspects into a self-concept grounded in her own values, rather than societal ideals.
Femininity as a Social Construct
Feminist theories argue that femininity is shaped by cultural expectations rather than natural qualities. This critique challenges the notion that women must look or behave in a particular way to embody femininity. By viewing femininity as a construct, individuals can begin questioning societal expectations and developing identities that reflect their own truths.
Sherman’s work visualises these feminist critiques, using her self-portraits to reflect society’s inconsistent and often contradictory standards of femininity. Her imagery dismantles stereotypes by placing them under a microscope, inviting us to examine how much of our identity is externally imposed rather than self-derived.
Reflections on Identity in the Modern World
The exhibition at the Museum of Cycladic Art encourages us to question the boundaries of identity and the impact of image-making on our sense of self. Using a blend of psychoanalytic insight and feminist critique, we can explore how media images and cultural expectations shape our understanding of who we are. For many, these images are internalised unconsciously, setting up ideals that we may not fully realise we are striving towards.
In a media-saturated society where platforms foster constant comparison, finding an authentic identity requires courage, critical thought, and introspection. Sherman’s art provides a crucial reminder: identities are multifaceted and fluid, and it is only by recognising the influences around us that we can begin to reshape our self-concept on our own terms. For those grappling with identity issues, psychoanalytic therapy—especially when integrated with feminist perspectives—can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and self-acceptance.
By Ari Sotiriou M. A. Psychodynamic Psychotherapist asotiriou@online-therapy-clinic.com