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There are a whole lot of psychology and sociology ideas to ponder throughout Sherman's works and the arguments that are presented by her critics more often than not become a whirlwind of inconclusive banter.
The characters that Sherman presents all appear very familiar. From their gaze and how they present themselves we understand their characters to an extent as they fit quite nicely into a variety of stereotypes e.g. in Image 2 you can assume that this woman is slightly cold hearted and perhaps a little manipulative - a very base assumption that returns our reflection to ourselves and how we label and confine people (particularly women).
In a way, the images are totally innocent and as the viewers, through our personal social and cultural knowledge we interpret the art with our own aspersions and judgement. The photographs themselves are not overtly sexual. Heavy make-up, spray tans and styled hair do not have an inherently sexual nature/meaning - I personally understand them as a means of self expression. Therefore it is almost strange that we understand these images as an expression of social commentary in regards to sexism. In saying this however, there was intention within the artist which must be considered.
Like I said before, the element that makes Sherman's works so wonderful is that I find their statements to be inconclusive. The photographs have provoked so much important conversation and emotion on a mass scale which is the first step to changing the world.
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