Volume 3
Volume 3
Cindy Sherman — Current bodycare routine — Mini chicken burgers — Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino — Chéri by Colette
Happy Sunday and welcome to the third edition of Giselle daydreams which features Cindy Sherman and her artistic career, my current bodycare routine, a recipe, one of my favourite Tarantino’s movie and a classic from French literature. Enjoy!
Artist profile
Cindy Sherman
After writing about The Garden of the Earthly Delights in the first edition and skipping the art column in the second edition, I am back sharing with you about art. I decide to feature Cindy Sherman, an artist I admire, because she uses herself as the sole model and photographer in her work and explores the themes of identity, gender and representation. In her self-portraits, she transforms herself into various characters by using elaborate costumes, makeup, and props to create different personas within her oeuvre.
“I wish I could treat every day as Halloween, and get dressed up and go out into the world as some eccentric character” — Cindy Sherman
Cindy Sherman is an American photographer and filmmaker known for her conceptual portraits and self-portraits. Born in 1954 in Glen Ridge, New Jersey, Sherman is widely recognised for her ability to transform her appearance through costumes, makeup, and prosthetics, creating characters and scenarios often exploring gender roles, identity, and societal stereotypes.
Sherman rose to prominence in the late 1970s with her series of seventy black and white photographs known as Untitled Film Stills (1977-1980). This is presumably her most notable series, which coincided with her arrival in New York in 1977. In this series, she posed as various female characters inspired by the imagery of 1950s and 1960s Hollywood, film noir, and European art-house films. This series provokes a sense of nostalgia and explores the complex relationship between art and mass media. These photographs are recognised for their ambiguity and the way they invite viewers to question the narratives behind the images.
The series challenged traditional stereotypes and the perception of identity and representation. Her photographs intertwine elements of fiction and reality, and the characters she transforms herself into are composite. When she transforms herself using a plethora of techniques and various means, the personas resulting from these transformations explores various archetypes and societal constructs.
She uses photography to explore the imaginary of American popular culture, and questions the role of copying or reproduction in the field of contemporary art. Sherman uses appropriation since many of her works are based on reinterpretations of both historical and popular culture images, altering them to address themes such as the construction of gender identity.
Sherman constantly maintains the measure of the game between the artist and her subject. This gap, which gives the viewer freedom to articulate and complete the story of the characters she embodies runs through and is distinguished through her entire work. Her approach is not similar to the tradition of the self-portrait, but to the change of identity, first inaugurated by Marcel Duchamp, in which Sherman takes to the dimension of a critical reappropriation of sexual and social appearances. Offering herself as a mirror and model to her contemporaries, Sherman examines the definitions of appearance and gender dictated by modern media. By appearing alone in her photographs, Sherman reminds us of the fragility of oneself in the face of the mechanisms of identification and social recognition.
Through her work, Sherman challenged the notions of identity and representation, questioning the authenticity of images and the roles women play in media and society. She interprets micro-situations that the viewer can relate to fictions. The series, not devoid of nostalgia, refers to the large-scale dissemination by cinema and the press of female models with mythical value and implicitly intended to define both femininity and the desire it arouses. Sherman's work then closely touches on the issues of the representation of women, developed by numerous American feminist artists such as Adrian Piper or Hannah Wilke.
Throughout her career, Sherman has continued to create provocative and thought-provoking artworks, exploring themes such as aging, beauty, and the media's influence on our perceptions of reality. Her photographs often depict her in different guises, from historical figures to clowns and grotesque characters, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
Sherman has used herself as canvas for over 30 years. She is the model, the photographer, the style, the makeup artist and the hairdresser. She is able to ingeniously alter her appearance and surroundings to become a master in self-morphing to create her conceptual work. Her avant-garde approach alongside an uncanny ability and visionary capability epitomises the prophesy of today's selfie culture.
Cindy Sherman's work has been exhibited in major museums and galleries worldwide, and she is considered one of the most influential contemporary artists. Her ability to manipulate her own image and challenge societal norms through her art has had a profound impact on the fields of photography and contemporary art.
Wellness
Current body care routine
I enjoy some moments of self-care on a daily basis, and my shower/bodycare ritual matters to me and my wellbeing. I find that taking a few extra minutes to perform these steps made a difference on how I’m feeling, my overall mood, and how I approach my day-to-day tasks a new mum while still trying to feel content about myself. At the moment, slipping away for a whole day at the spa is not option for two reasons: I don’t have someone to look after Queen L for that amount of time, and I don’t want not to be with her at the same time.
Dry brush this is the newest addition to my bodycare routine and I regret not starting it sooner. Despite there is limited scientific evidence on the benefits of dry brushing, I find that dry brushing before showering brings me several benefits. It's also an enjoyable moment as I feel I'm pampering myself in the comfort of my bathroom (sometimes alone, sometimes in the company of Queen L). Also known as Garshana, dry brushing is an Ayurvedic practice that involves using a natural-bristle brush to gently massage your skin. The benefits I noticed on myself are that it exfoliates my skin by removing dead skin cells from the surface, leaving it softer and smoother. It also stimulates blood flow circulation. Some believe it can reduce the appearance of cellulite by breaking down toxins and improving circulation. I personally didn’t see any difference on my end. The last two benefits made me want to try dry brushing, as it stimulates your lymphatic system by helping to detoxify your body from toxins. Finally, I consider it a relaxing moment, preparing myself to enter in a hot shower and forget about everything.
Caudalie Thé des Vignes shower gel not always, but lately, I decided that I deserve to indulge in a shower gel to elevate my shower experience. I like to try different products, but I’ve been coming back to this product countless times. I appreciate that this soap-free shower gel is made from a 100% plant-based formula. This silky shower gel is enriched with aloe vera. A delectable scent with notes of white musk, orange blossom and ginger comes out of this lavish shower gel, which makes me look forward shower time, every time.
Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse this oil has been my holy grail for years, and I can't stop restocking it as soon as I'm about to run out. The Huile Prodigieuse is a multi-purpose dry oil and is renowned for its nourishing and hydrating properties, as well as its versatility. It has a distinctive, pleasant fragrance with notes of orange blossom, magnolia, and vanilla, providing a luxurious sensory experience. The oil is formulated with a blend of several botanical oils, including sweet almond oil, camellia oil, hazelnut oil, borage oil, St. John's Wort oil, and macadamia oil. These natural ingredients are chosen for their nourishing and skin-conditioning properties. The Huile Prodigieuse is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, which help to nourish and hydrate the skin and hair, leaving them soft and supple. Finally, what makes Huile Prodigieuse unique (I'm not aware of any oil similar in that sense) is that it's non-greasy and quickly absorbs into the skin, which means you can dress as soon as you're done applying it, and your clothes won't get damaged or stained.
Gua sha for your body I started doing gua sha on my body in my early pregnancy and kept doing until I could not bend properly. I then waited a few weeks postpartum before doing it again because I was exhausted, and I focused on hydrating my body instead. Body gua sha is a traditional Chinese healing technique that involves scraping the skin with a massage tool to improve circulation, reduce muscle tension, promote lymphatic drainage and relaxation, and is tress-relieving. I was already familiar with face gua sha, which I would perform regularly using my rose quartz crystal. I do body gua sha after applying my favourite body oil, and proceed to a few simple movements. I don't do this everyday, but a few times weekly as sometimes I don't feel motivated to take the time to do it.
Ren Sea Salt body scrub this one is a newbie. If I'm being entirely honest, I prefer the one I mentioned below. Nevertheless, I don't like to throw away products. Therefore, I'll keep using it until I finish it. This scrub does make my body particularly soft and does a great job at removing dead skin cells, but I'm not a fan of the fragrance. The strong presence of peppermint overwhelms the basil and rosemary oil, and I prefer a sweeter or fruiter fragrance for body products. It is my personal opinion, and it is an effective scrub. However, I much prefer other body exfoliators.
The Ritual of Sakura scrub this one was love at first sight, it's as simple as that. The delightful fragrance of this scrub is inspired by the ancient Japanese ceremony of Sakura, or cherry blossom, and it makes my body exfoliation a luxurious and blissful moment. The main ingredients are organic milk rice which is known for its nourishing and softening properties, and the cherry blossom extract, inspired by the sakura flower, which gives the enchanting smell that makes the time scrubbing myself a true sensorial experience.
A recipe
Mini chicken burgers egg free and fibre rich
This recipe is something I like to make if I want burgers during the week and keep it light but tasty at the same time. For this dish, I chose either chicken or turkey mince as I keep my Middle Eastern red meat meatballs for Friday night with an explosion of flavours.
Nevertheless, these burgers are still palatable but more subtle than when using beef and lamb mince. Now I feel like I’m a food critic describing the different types of mince! Also I add a twist to your usual buger as I use oats to help form the patty shape instead of breadcrumbs or matzo meal.
This will make you around 10 mini burgers
500g minced chicken or turkey
4 tbsp oats - you can blend it but it’s not necessary
½ cup chopped shallots or onions
1 tbsp or 3 garlic cloves chopped very finely
½ tsp pink Himalayan salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped coriander
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp baharat
olive oil for frying
Instructions
Combine all the ingredients except the oil in a large mixing bowl and stir until all the mince meat is nicely blended with all the seasoning.
Prepare a chopping board or plate and start making your patties by using a large table spoon from the mixture and form a meatball that you will gently squash so that it makes a patty. Place them on your chopping board or plate and keep doing the same until you have used all your minced meat.
Pour some olive oil on a frying pan on medium heat. Once the oil starts to form bubbles you can place the meatballs. After a few minutes check if the meatballs are golden, if they are you can flip them on the other side. Check if the other side is also golden and when it’s golden it’s the indication that your patties are cooked.
Place the cooked patties on a clean plate and serve them with hummus, tahini and rice or with a salad for a lighter option. Enjoy!
Cinema
Pulp Fiction by Quentin Tarantino (1994)
Quentin Tarantino features among my favourites films’ directors for many reasons, and I look forward to seeing each new releases, even if they’re spread apart by (too) many years, in my opinion. That being said, I understand all the work that goes into creating a film from the plot, script writing, finding the adequate cast, filming, editing, and finally releasing the final product.
Pulp Fiction is probably my favourite film by Tarantino, closely followed by Inglourious Basterds. The film is considered as one of Tarantino's most iconic and influential works and is known for its nonlinear narrative, sharp and often witty dialogue, eclectic soundtrack, and memorable characters.
The film is comprised of multiple interconnected stories and characters, presented out of chronological order. It weaves together various plot lines involving criminals, hitmen, a boxer, a mob boss, and others in Los Angeles.
The film explores the dark and violent aspects of its characters' lives, while also suggesting the possibility of redemption and second chances. The characters in Pulp Fiction often exist in morally ambiguous situations, and the film challenges traditional notions of good and bad. Tarantino infuses the film with references to pop culture, from music to movies to fast food, creating a unique and memorable atmosphere. The nonlinear structure of the narrative adds an element of surprise and keeps the audience engaged, as they piece together the chronology of events. Tarantino is renowned for his sharp and clever dialogue, and Pulp Fiction is no exception. The characters' conversations are filled with memorable lines and discussions on a wide range of topics.
I really enjoyed the nonlinear narrative, and it was the film I watched following this type of storytelling. I find that it enhances the suspense, plot development, as well as the character exploration by diverging from the conventional chronological order and using fragmented timelines instead. Nonlinear storytelling supports emotional and cognitive engagement. It also invigorates critical thinking. This type of narrative explores the plot complexity and the thematic richness in a new manner and thus redefine our interaction and consumption of Pulp Fiction.
The impressive cast is also an asset to the film as it features John Travolta as Vincent Vega, Samuel L. Jackson as Jules Winnfield, Uma Thurman as Mia Wallace and Bruce Willis as Butch Coolidge. I have to confess I am secretly looking for a Halloween party or a themed party invite where I can dress as Mia Wallace and her iconic outfit when she spends the evening with Vincent Vega before it takes a dramatic turn. If you know anyone or you are hosting a party, send your invite. I will bring my husband as Vincent Vega and we will perform their memorable Twist on You Can Never Tell by Chuck Berry.
Literature
Chéri by Colette (1920)
I actually first watched the film and read Chéri and its series afterwards. This novel features among the classics of French literature and I wanted to share it with you. In my literature choices, I do read a lot in my native tongue but I also mix it with other novels that I read in English. I’m the person who always favours the original version of a book or film. Therefore, I spend most of the time reading subtitles when I watch something. I find that the original version of a book or film is best for the choice of words, idioms and the characters’ intonations.
Chéri is a novel written by the French author Colette, originally published in 1920. This novel is part of a series of novels by Colette known as the Chéri series, which includes Chéri (1920) and its sequel The Last of Chéri (1926). The story is set in the belle époque period in Paris and explores themes of love, aging, and societal expectations.
Chéri tells the story of a passionate and forbidden love affair between a young man known as Chéri and a much older woman named Léa. Chéri, whose real name is Fred Peloux, is a charming and handsome young man in his early twenties. Léa is a courtesan, a woman who has maintained her allure and beauty into her forties and is still highly sought after by men.
Léa and Chéri's relationship is based on mutual attraction, companionship, and shared pleasures. Despite their age difference, they are deeply in love. Their love affair thrives in the hedonistic and luxurious world of Parisian high society. However, societal expectations and the looming shadow of Chéri's impending marriage to a young woman from a respectable family threaten to disrupt their idyllic life.
The novel explores the complexities of their relationship, as well as the emotional turmoil both characters experience. Chéri is torn between his love for Léa and his duty to fulfill his societal obligations by marrying the suitable but conventional Edmée. Léa, in turn, faces the prospect of losing the man she loves to a society that values youth and convention.
The novel delves into the intensity of love and passion, highlighting the profound connection between Léa and Chéri that defies societal norms. The novel also examines the contrast between aging and youth, exploring how societal pressures often prioritise youth and beauty over maturity and experience. Colette explores the constraints and expectations placed on individuals by society, especially regarding marriage and social status. Both Léa and Chéri are complex characters who undergo significant emotional development throughout the story. Their internal struggles and evolving feelings are central to the narrative.
Chéri is celebrated for its elegant prose, vivid characterisations, and its exploration of the intricacies of love and desire. The novel provides a poignant commentary on the tensions between personal happiness and societal conformity.
I hope you enjoyed the third edition of Giselle daydreams. Thank you for reading.
Giselle xx