Nan Goldin

       Nancy Goldin (Nan) is an American photographer who's work explores and delves into LGBTQ+ culture, the HIV crisis, intimacy, use of narcotics and post Stonewall riots life. Goldin was born and raised in Washington D.C., but enrolled at an alternative high school in Massachusetts were she lived in a commune after her sister committed suicide. Here Goldin was introduced to narcotics, relationships with older men and a polaroid camera by one of her instructors. 

       I first encountered Goldin's work while studying the pre and post Stonewall era t

1. Misty and Jimmy Paulette in a Taxi,
New York City 1991  The Ballad of Sexual Dependency By Nancy Goldin 

his summer. In short, the Stonewall Riots were spontaneous violent riots in the summer of 1969 by members of the gay community whose goal was to achieve gay liberation.  Goldin was introduced to the LGBTQ+ community by her friend David Armstrong in Boston. A short time after, Goldin went to school to become a professional photographer and focused on shooting drags queen because she admired their ability to be themselves publicly. The two examples used in the blog are both from The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, a collection of photographs that were taken between 1979 and 1986. This collection recorded her days spent with her friends, family and lovers. Captured images were put together as a sort of memorial to remember her tribe who most likely lost their live from a drug overdose or AIDS by the 1990s. Goldin used the style referred to as "slice of life" meaning she did not use planned sets to shoot at, but instead took her camera every where she went to capture moments of life. Goldin's goal when she captured photographs was to be able to relive the moment and remember the senses, smell, taste etc.

       The photo on the right of Misty and Jimmy Paulette was taken in a taxi in New York City. The photograph had a busy background of other commuters and taxis but focused directly on the two drag queens in a raw sense. Drag queens are usually always painted in a glamourse light while doing a show and just a regular male with a masculine identity while not performing. This shot shows a different side of being a drag queen. The not-so-glamorous side. Capturing the drag queens commuting, just like every one else places them in light where others can empathize with them.
The second photo on the right of Philippe H. and Suzanne kissing highlights the intimate shots that Goldin took. Being able to capture a personal moment like this,

2. Philippe H. and Suzanne Kissing at Euthanasia,
New York City 1991  The Ballad of Sexual Dependency By Nancy Goldin

in color has the ability to break barriers by making viewers uncomfortable. Sexuality and intimacy was and still is a challenging topic for many people to face and hold conversations about. The idea of using photography as a tool to bring these conversation to life is very relevant in todays society.

      Today Goldin is still active. She recently works as a fashion photographer for brands like Jimmy Choo and Dior. Her work has also been featured on t-shirts made by Supreme. She has used her fan base and celebrity status to shed light on opioid addiction, which she is a victim of.