NAN ONE MONTH AFTER BEING BATTERED 1984

This photo speaks volumes as to “Domestic Violence,” having no influence on social and economical backgroud. It appears to be taken in a dim lite setting in the comforts of her own home.

Profoundly, this victim “NAN GOLDIN “had been beaten by her Boyfriend as a direct result of other published works that included, her “ Sexual Dependancy” in their relationship. He was not pleased at all with her publication. It is said that he was adament about her keeping his privacy. It’s kind of an Oxy Moron. Dating a Man that enjoys his privacy and yet , he chose to date a woman whose profession since High School was all about the Chronicles of her life and the lives of friends and family.

The level of dysfunction in their relationship can be viewed, not only in this photo but, a list of her work, such as,

• “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency “ A SLIDE SHOW EXHIBTION which has the cover title and photo of her and her abuser Brian Titiled: “Nan and “Brian in Bed, New York City 1983,”

• “Nan on Brian's Lap, Nan's Birthday, New York City 1981”

She took the time to wear fresh lipstick, that is Ruby Red . Oddly, the color that she cleverly chose, enhances the redness in her eyes. She is well dressed for this photo. She is Adorned with dangling earrings and a string of pearls. Her wine brown hair is styled to perfection offering the perfect sillohette that frames her beaten face that paradoxically, appears to be healing.

As she sits in front of the camera, she looks directly into the lens with bloodshot and swollen eyes. Her expression on her entire face demonstrates the pain that she had to endure in having to face the world battered. The value of this picture is dark in that she, not only chose to wear Black but createing the perfect lighting in the room .

It seems to be darkened with the exception of a soft light perhaps from a lamp not shown in the photo or pershaps the flash from the camera that she used to take this photo. The space in this photo is directed to her as the subject, which tells me that her intentions was to make sure that the focus was purely on her face. Nothing else in terms of shared space is needed in this photo. The space to me would be considred negative. I say this because, there is no sign of movemnet in this photo. Sometimes, Less is truly more. This portrait that was taken by someone or perhaps with an tripod, and demonstrates the shame being brought to light for the world!

The fact that she became an artist and a subject for herself and her friends from high school age, makes me wonder. Did she and her friends create all of the drug abuse, reckless behavior and violence Diabolically to create art where there was none? It gives way to the Idea of…

“Art Imitating Life!”

Nan Go Artist : Nan Goldin born 1953 Title: Nan one month after being battered ; Date 1984- Medium :

Photograph, colour, Cibachrome print, on paper mounted onto board: Dimensions Image: 695 x 1015 mm Collection Tate Acquisition Purchased 1997 Reference P78045Steps for Success

http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=d0b9d630-59ae-40c2-bf2d-6898bf24beed%40sessionmgr113&hid=112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=44455823&db=a9hhttp://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/goldin-nan-one-month-after-being-battered-p78045

http://www.matthewmarks.com/new-york/artists/nan-goldin/

Written by Winifred Beasley for the Art Institue of Pittsburgh