Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century.
Beginning in the 1970s, Goldin took candid shots of her friends and lovers, characters often living on the margins of society. Many of Goldin's images are like entries from a diary; recording intimate elements from both her daily life and her adventures.
The spirit of Goldin's work, which is often raw, tender, and audacious, has strong roots in her formative years. Goldin was introduced to photography at the age of 16 when her teacher distributed Polaroid cameras.
The medium quickly became a crucial outlet for Goldin, particularly as a teenager deeply affected by her sister's suicide. Photography served as a means to process her emotions and forge connections with others.
A few years later, Goldin would become involved with Boston's Drag scene, befriending or living with a host of young performers and trans women, and frequenting drag bars, such as The Other Side, as captured in this work. For around four years (1970-1974) Goldin documented and depicted her new-found community and crew.
"Bea at the Other Side" stands out as an extraordinary image from this era as it captures one of her early muses (Bea) at one of their favorite haunts (Boston's legendary drag bar "The Other Side")
While Bea is a frequent subject in Goldin's work from the 1970s, this image is notable for her smile, joy, and exuberance. In many images of Bea, there is a frequent melancholy or hesitation. Click here to see another portrait of Bea. Here, she seems to celebrating as both the viewer and photographer bask in her radiant beauty.
This polaroid is a paradigm of the poignant and innovative black-and-white photography of Goldin's early years. This is a rare opportunity to acquire an impressive and early piece by one of the most accomplished photographers of the 20th century.
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Signed, titled, numbered 1/1, and dated by the artist verso.
"Bea at The Other Side Smiling, Boston"
USA, 1973
Polaroid
Signed, titled, numbered 1/1, and dated by the artist verso.
5"H 3.5"W (work)
11.25"H 9.5"W (framed)
Detailed condition report by request
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