Respond to the following questions (1-6) in an online document that can be shared with your teacher and/ or peers via your school digital platform.

1. Look closely at the five images in the slide show above. Sherman's images are often described as hinting at a fictional narrative. Choose one of the images above and write a paragraph of first-person monologue for the character in the photograph. If this was a movie, what lines would your character deliver onscreen? Try to maintain intrigue by arousing curiosity or interest. Invent a name for your character and use this as the title for your monologue. Cut and paste your chosen artwork into your document.

2. What are some of the similarities and differences in these five images? Make a table and try to come up with more than three items for each column.

3. Use the same artwork that you wrote about for question 1 and imagine you are the artist setting up this scene and planning to take this photograph. Make notes on the elements of mise en scène in this artwork, commenting on the use of setting and props, costume/ hair/ makeup, lighting and atmosphere, and point of view.

If possible, annotate the artwork using arrows and text boxes in your digital document.

Artmaking Activity

7. Create a black and white photograph that is inspired by old Hollywood movies and the art of Cindy Sherman. Your photograph must appear to be part of a bigger story. It should convey a sense of ambiguity and/or suspense, a feeling of excitement or uncertainty about what might happen. You must be the main subject in the photograph. This will mean you will need a family member to actually take the photos or you will need to use the timer function on your phone or camera.

• In your art diary or on some paper, jot down three different ideas for your photograph. You will need to use costumes and props so have a good look around your home. Refer to the graphic above as you plan your photograph. Ask family members if you can borrow items to use as props and setting for your mise en scène. Include a quick sketch of each of the three ideas you have for images you might take. Think about what settings you can use (your back gate, at your kitchen cupboards, in the garage, in a bedroom) and also the pose you will adopt as the main character. For each of the three ideas you have make notes on the various details of mise en scène. Upload your sketches and notes on your three ideas to a shared platform and seek advice from two peers in your class about your efforts. Which idea is the most engaging and suspenseful to them? Why? Ask each peer to share some feedback on your ideas, identifying two strengths and one area for further consideration.
• When you have sought and received peer feedback, prepare to take a photograph of one of your plans. You will need to consider lighting. You might want to take the image early in the morning or just as the sun is setting if you are using your backyard or posing at a window. You could also consider using lamps and other lighting in your house. Be aware of all of the objects you include in the scene. Do they need to be there? What do they tell the audience? Carefully consider your costume, hair, makeup (if relevant) and pose. You might need to ask a family member to take the photo for you. What point of view will you use?
• When you are ready to take the picture, ensure that you take several shots so you can look through them and choose the one that is the most effective. Remember: you are adopting a character, so do not worry if you do not look your best, or even if you don't look like yourself!
• Upload your final black and white image to your shared digital platform for feedback from your teacher and peers.