Lynn Hershman Leeson: a look at her 1970’s work based on the blurred lines of identity

This kind of post isn’t usually what I write here, but whatever.

Here’s a little reflection on an incredible artist I recently discovered, and how her work has helped me gain perspective on life. Hope you enjoy it. Shoutout to the Cantor Arts Center, Maggie Dethloff, and most importantly, Lynn Hershman Leeson.

About two months ago, one of my professors took a few classmates and me to the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University. The purpose of the trip was to inspire us for a project we were assigned for the quarter. We got to meet Maggie Dethloff, the photo curator at the Cantor, which was a pretty cool experience. After we toured the photo exhibit, we were free to explore the museum on our own—and that’s when I stumbled across an archival room dedicated to Lynn Hershman Leeson.

I had never heard of Lynn Hershman Leeson or seen any of her work before, but I was completely mesmerized by what I found. Before I talk about the specific piece that really caught my eye, here’s a little background on her:
Lynn Hershman Leeson is a multimedia artist and filmmaker, born in 1941. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, she spent most of her career in San Francisco. Her work explores the use of media as a tool for empowerment, identity, and the human relationship with technology. A quote from the Cantor’s archival room reads:

“Always interested in finding ‘the medium of our time,’ Hershman Leeson asks important questions about the nature of humanity and technology.”

Lynn Turning into Roberta (1978) is the piece that inspired me to write this post. It’s a 5-minute, 24-second video on Betacam showing Lynn transforming herself into an alternate persona she created called “Roberta Breitmore.” From 1973 to 1978, Lynn actually lived as Roberta—she went so far as to get a driver’s license and open a checking account in Roberta’s name. (WOW.)
The work highlights the blurred boundaries of identity and how appearance can shape reality. It also critiques gender roles in both the art world and society at large, challenging assumptions about women and selfhood.

As a 21-year-old heading into my final year of college, the idea of blurred identity really hits home. I often feel like every decision I make could change the entire direction of my life—which is an exhausting (and probably unhelpful) mindset that I’m working on. Lynn Hershman Leeson’s exploration of identity has prompted me to think more deeply about these things. Honestly, if I hadn’t come across her work, I think I’d feel even more lost than I already do.

There’s something truly special about her art. If you’re like me and had never heard of her before, I highly recommend checking her out. Thanks for reading.