'n Vergelykende ondersoek na die uitbeelding van identiteit in gekose dokumentasie van die Performance art-werke van Cindy Sherman en Berni Searle

Abstract

In this dissertation two art works of two female artists, Cindy Sherman and Berni Searle, are analysed comparatively using a method developed in semiotics. The artworks of Sherman that are used in this dissertation forms part of her Untitled Film Stills series and the artworks of Searle that are discussed forms part of her Looking Back series. The artworks and artists are contextualised within the postmodernism and within the realm of performance art. The study focuses on and discusses the way in which these two artists depict identity in their artworks. In Sherman's artworks this identity is linked to a Western, white identity. In contrast with this, the identity that Searle depicts is linked to an African, coloured identity. The study is concluded by a comparative summary of the different identities Sherman and Searle represent in their artworks as well as the way in which they represent these identities.