Nan Goldin 1953 Kat and Lauren

Background Goldin left home at aged 13. At aged 15 a teacher introduced her to photography. She began her photography career taking photo’s of drag queens to celebrate the typical lifestyle of where she lived. This lead her to become involved with a group of young people associated with drugs, alcohol, sex and violence in the late 70’s which she documented.

One month after being battered 1984 This is a self portrait by Goldin which she took after being beaten by her long tern partner. The intense red of her lipstick is reflected through her swollen red eye. The eye contact is powerful because she wants to show the damage her partner inflicted. She isn't hiding in the image again showing the damage.

Camera? Goldin used a cheap compact camera. This lead to her photo’s being low quality. In many of her photo’s the flash is bright creating very bold high exposure photos.