When Nan Goldin discovered a flourishing drag queen community as an 18-year-old navigating downtown Boston, it would mark the start of her widely influential photography career and lay the foundation of the seminal work that would follow years later — “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,” an ongoing series of stark, flash-lit snapshots documenting her experiences with the LGBTQ+ scene, most notably during the AIDS epidemic.
Goldin was born in Washington, D.C., but raised in Massachusetts. She left home around age 13 or 14, moved into a commune and attended a free experimental high school called Satya Community School, where she began shooting Polaroids of herself as well as her classmates. She found inspiration in the work of Andy Warhol, Larry Clark, Diane Arbus, Weegee, August Sander and in the glossy pages of French and Italian Vogue. Goldin attended the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and moved to New York City soon after she graduated.
Goldin was particularly drawn to the avant-garde music scene in Manhattan in the late 1970s and early ’80s, and “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency” would include many photos taken in her newly adopted city. Goldin first exhibited the series at the Whitney Biennial in 1985 before publishing it as a book a year later. In its startling honesty, Goldin’s gripping portraits captured sexual relationships, frank drug use, intimate scenes in the homes of families, partying at bars, domestic violence and the AIDS-related horrors faced by those in the era’s LGBTQ+ community. More than 700 images were featured in exhibitions over the years compared to the book’s 127 portraits.
“‘The Ballad of Sexual Dependency’ is the diary I let people read,” wrote Goldin. “The diary is my form of control over my life. It allows me to obsessively record every detail. It enables me to remember.”
Goldin also felt that the project was autobiographical in a way, though only some of the images were self-portraits. “These were the people I lived with, these were my friends, these were my family, this was myself. I’d photograph people dancing while I was dancing. Or people having sex while I was having sex. Or people drinking while I was drinking. There was no separation between me and what I was photographing,” she told Bomb magazine.
Over the years, Goldin has collaborated with Japanese photographer Nobuyoshi Araki and completed projects for Jimmy Choo and Bottega Veneta. While her work has broadened to include New York City skylines, portraiture and commercial fashion photography, her commitment to documentary-style honesty has never wavered. In 2006, as part of Goldin’s "Chasing a Ghost” exhibit in New York City, a presentation was projected on three screens involving videos, photography and a musical collage focused on her older sister, Barbara, who took her own life in 1965.
Among Goldin’s many accolades are her admission to the French Legion of Honor in 2006, the Hasselblad Foundation International Award in 2007 and the Lucie Award in 2014.
Find a collection of original Nan Goldin photography on 1stDibs.
"Suzanne in the Shower, Palenque, Mexico" Nan Goldin, Female Nude, Snapshot
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
Nan Goldin Suzanne in the Shower, Palenque, Mexico, 1981 Signed and titled on reverse Cibachrome print 13 3/4 x 9 inches Edition 2/25 Provenance The artist Matthew Marks Gallery, Ne...
C Print
Bea with a whip at The Other Side
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
Nan Goldin Bea with a whip at The Other Side 1973 Gelatin silver print 14 x 11 inches; 36 x 28 cm Edition of 100 Signed, titled, dated, and numbered in graphite (lower right verso) ...
Silver Gelatin
Swan-Like Embrace (Paris) by Nan Goldin
By Nan Goldin
Located in Dubai, Dubai
By Nan Goldin Swan-Like Embrace, Paris (2001), printed later, 2021 C-Print on paper 8 x 5 1/8 inches Signed verso (please see image 3) From the 2021 timed release, published by Pain.
C Print
My hotel room, Valencia, Spain
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is unquestionably one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. A successor to Diane Arbus and William Egglestone, her aesthetic and creative ap...
Pink sky from airplane
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
Nan Goldin Pink sky from airplane 2000 Cibachrome 30 x 40 inches; 76 x 102 cm Edition of 15 Signed, titled, dated, and numbered in ink (verso) Available f...
Photographic Film, C Print
Triptyk, Zingaro Equestrian Theater, Paris, 2004
By Nan Goldin
Located in Dubai, Dubai
Triptyk, Zingaro Equestrian Theater, Paris, 2004 By Nan Goldin 2025 Photographic c-print on archival paper 32 x 22 cm 12 5/8 x 8 5/8 in Edition limited by time signed by artist ...
Archival Pigment
Supreme Nan Goldin skateboard deck
By Nan Goldin
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Nan Goldin Supreme Skateboard Deck: 'Misty and Jimmy Paulette in a Taxi, NYC' (1991/2018): Published in 2018 by Supreme New York Features Nan Goldin printed...
Wood, Offset
Joey Dressed for Wigstock, NYC
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is unquestionably one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Her intimate images emphasize her subject’s individuality, infusing them with d...
C Print
Supreme Nan Goldin skateboard deck (Nan as a Dominatrix)
By Nan Goldin
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Nan Goldin Supreme Skateboard Deck: 'Nan as a Dominatrix, Cambridge MA' (1978/2018): Published in 2018 by Supreme New York Features Nan Goldin printed signature on verso From a sold...
Wood, Offset
Butch in the Tub, NYC
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is unquestionably one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Goldin was the first to use the "slide show" format in a high-art setting. Beginning in the 1970's Goldin took candid shots of her lovers, friends and family characters often living on the margins of society in Boston and then New York City. "Butch in the Tub...
C Print
Apocalyptic Sky over Manhattan, NYC
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
Nan Goldin Apocalyptic Sky over Manhattan, NYC, 2001 Cibachrome 27 1/4 x 40 inches (image) 28 1/4 x 41 inches (frame) AP 1, Edition of 15 Signed verso on label Black painted wood fr...
Color
Price Upon Request
Self-portrait in blue dress, New York City, 1985
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
1985/2020 Signed, verso Archival pigment print 5 x 7 inches This photograph by Nan Goldin is offered by CLAMP in New York City.
Archival Pigment
$700
H 18.9 in W 23.63 in D 0.04 in
The Receiving End - 21st Century, Polaroid, Nude Photography
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
The Receiving End - 2018 48x60cm, Edition 7, plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on the original Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist inventory PL2018-480...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$1,100
H 9.75 in W 11 in
Michael Jordan and Bruce Willis Celebrating the Bulls 5th Win - Color Photograph
Located in Chicago, IL
Cigars come out and congratulations abound as Michael Jordan wins his 5th Championship in 1997. Here, Richard Shay has captured the moment when fan Bruce Willis looks at the superstar with such admiration and awe to be in his presence. This A.P. photograph is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 14.5h x 15.75w inches. Richard Shay Michael Jordan with Bruce Willis Celebrating Bulls 5th Championship, 1997 archival pigment print 9.75h x 11w in 24.77h x 27.94w cm A.P. RSY013 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...
Archival Pigment
Male Nude (29 Palms, CA) - Polaroid
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Male Nude (29 Palms,CA) - 2008 20x20cm, Edition of 10, Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory #293 Not mounted. Stefanie S...
Photographic Film, Archival Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$640
H 15.75 in W 18.9 in D 0.04 in
Desert Escape - Contemporary, Polaroid, Nude, Landscape, 21st Century
By Kirsten Thys van den Audenaerde
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Desert Escape - 2019 40x48 cm, Edition of 7 plus 2 Artist Proofs. Archival C-Print based on a Polaroid. Signature label with certificate. Artist inventory PL2019 - 811. Not moun...
Archival Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$380
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 0.04 in
Morning (Till Death do us Part) Contemporary, Woman, Polaroid
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Morning (Till Death do us Part) - 2005 20x20cm, Edition of 10, plus 2 Artist Proofs, Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory #29...
Parchment Paper, Photographic Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
$1,800
H 24 in W 18 in
Signed, Archival Pigment Print, Twin Greek Temples, New York City Architecture
By Roberta Fineberg
Located in New york, NY
A contemporary color photograph by Roberta Fineberg is a nod to photo secessionist Edward Steichen. The subject for the artist's night photography is a Central Park West building (th...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Rag Paper, Digital, Archival Pigment, Digi...
Slim Aarons, Catherine Wilke (Slim Aarons Estate Edition)
By Slim Aarons
Located in New York, NY
Slim Aarons Catherine Wilke, 1980, Printed Later C print Estate stamped and numbered edition of 150 with Certificate of authenticity Catherine Wilke joins the topless sunbathers a...
C Print
$380
H 7.88 in W 7.88 in D 0.04 in
Wild Things (Till Death do us Part) - Polaroid
By Stefanie Schneider
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
Wild Things (Till Death do us Part) - 2008 20x24cm, Edition of 10, Archival C-Print, based on the Polaroid. Certificate and Signature label. Artist Inventory #9503 Not mounted....
Photographic Film, Archival Paper, C Print, Color, Polaroid
Body Paint
By Byron Newman
Located in London, GB
Bodypaint - 1991 by Byron Newman 40x30" in / 101 x 76 cm paper size C print limited edition to 15 only this size From a Calendar shoot from RMC in 1991. About the artist : Byron Newman (born in London, England, United Kingdom) is a British photographer. He has been a photographer for over 25 years. Most of the years in partnership with French actress Brigitte Ariel, his producer, stylist, muse and also his wife. Newman started out studying graphic design and photography at the London College of Printing. Afterwards, he interviewed and photographed musicians for Cream magazine in the 1960s and 1970s. He started his own fashion magazine Deluxe in 1977. From that experience he was offered a job in Paris as the art director with Mode International. Once there he also started working for LUI magazine where he was a staff photographer. Whilst there he met Brigitte Ariel. Playboy In 1982, whilst Newman and Ariel were in Hollywood on promoting her latest film, Hugh Hefner got in touch and met them at the Playboy Mansion. Byron has photographed for Playboy magazine, assisted by Brigitte, in the United States since 1984. His photographs appear in Playboy magazine and also are for the Playboy Special Editions. He has also photographed for Playboy's other foreign editions including Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, Mexico, South Africa, Croatia etc. During the time Byron has worked for them, he has photographed some of Britain's top glamour models including Samantha Fox, Katie Price aka Jordan, Jessica-Jane Clement, Marina Baker (whom he had discovered and photographed for her Miss March 1987 pictorial), and 2006 Playboy Special Edition model of the year Louise Glover. His pictorial in Playboy USA (Sept 07) entitled "Rubber Rules" explores the sensuality of latex clothing...
C Print, Color
Tel 1
By Michael Crouser
Located in New York, NY
Toned gelatin silver print Signed, titled, dated, and numbered, recto 14 x 11 inches, sheet (Edition of 25) 20 x 16 inches, sheet (Edition of 25) 24 x 20 inches, sheet (Edition of...
Silver Gelatin
Untitled (Renaissance #1005)
By Bill Armstrong
Located in New York, NY
Type-C print Signed, titled, dated, and numbered, verso 36 x 30 inches (Edition of 5) 48 x 40 inches (Edition of 5) This artwork is offered by ClampArt, located in New York City. ...
C Print
$1,100
H 16 in W 12 in
Shoeless Michael Jordan Celebrating 5th Championship Win, 1997 - Color Photo
Located in Chicago, IL
Michael Jordan was so excited to celebrate with his fellow teammates, he arrived at the party missing one of those famed "Air Jordan" shoes! Photographer Richard Shay caught him in this shot from 1997 while celebrating the team's 5th Championship win. This A.P. photograph is matted and framed in a simple black frame measuring 20.25h x 16.25w inches. Richard Shay MIchael Jordan "One Shoe Left at United Center" Celebrating 5th Championship Win, 1997, 2023 archival pigment print 16h x 12w in 40.64h x 30.48w cm A.P. RSY009 Richard Shay grew up in Deerfield, Illinois where his father, the famed photojournalist, Art Shay and his wife Florence had moved to raise their family. Surrounded by the influence of his larger-than-life dad, Richard would go on to follow in his father's path. After traveling the world in his early 20's, Richard returned to Chicago and began photographing at The Oprah Winfrey Show. He became the family photographer for basketball player and Chicago treasure, Michael Jordan. He would go on to tour the US and Russia with The Smashing Pumpkins...
Archival Pigment
On the Beach, Boston
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
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 li...
Silver Gelatin
Swan-Like Embrace (Paris) by Nan Goldin
By Nan Goldin
Located in Dubai, Dubai
By Nan Goldin Swan-Like Embrace, Paris (2001), printed later, 2021 C-Print on paper 8 x 5 1/8 inches Signed verso (please see image 3) From the 2021 timed release, published by Pain.
C Print
Ivy in Rhinestones
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
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 l...
Polaroid
David Modelling
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
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. A few years later, Goldin would become involved with Boston's Drag scene, befriending or living with a host of young Queer people. For around four years (1970-1974) Goldin focused on documenting her new-found community and crew. David Armstrong (1954-2014) was an early friend whose career as a photographer developed in tandem with Goldin's in Boston. Armstrong also helped further introduce Goldin to the city's gay scene...
Polaroid
Bea at the Other Side
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
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 ...
Polaroid
Supreme Nan Goldin skateboard deck (Nan as a Dominatrix)
By Nan Goldin
Located in NEW YORK, NY
Nan Goldin Supreme Skateboard Deck: 'Nan as a Dominatrix, Cambridge MA' (1978/2018): Published in 2018 by Supreme New York Features Nan Goldin printed...
Wood, Offset
Siobhan with Cat
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is unquestionably one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. She began her career in the 1970s taking candid shots of her friends and lovers...
C Print
Jimmy Paulette and Taboo! Undressing, NYC
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Beginning in the 1970's Goldin took candid shots of her lovers and friends - especially drag qu...
C Print
Bea with a whip at The Other Side
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
Nan Goldin Bea with a whip at The Other Side 1973 Gelatin silver print 14 x 11 inches; 36 x 28 cm Edition of 100 Signed, titled, dated, and numbered in graphite (lower right verso) Stamped in ink (lower right verso): Special edition to benefit Dr. Roger Weiss / and The Alcohol and Drug Abuse Treatment / Program at McLean Hospital Available from Matthew Marks Gallery...
Silver Gelatin
Bea with a whip at The Other Side
By Nan Goldin
Located in New York, NY
Bea with a whip at The Other Side 1973 Signed in pencil, verso; Also stamped with date, titled, and edition information, verso Gelatin silver print (Edition of 100) 13.25 x 8.875 ...
Silver Gelatin
Joey with Her New Breasts (NYC)
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Beginning in the 1970's Goldin took candid shots of her lovers and friends - especially drag queens and trans women, characters often living on the margins of society, in New York City and beyond. "Cody in the Dressing Room at the Boy Bar, NYC” is a paradigm of Goldin's work from the early 1990’s celebrating both nightlife and its beautiful denizens. The photograph shows Cody, semi-nude and confidently posing for Goldin, as they either unwind after or are preparing for a performance. Situated in a dressing room signalled by the mirror, makeup and clothes strewn around. Behind Cody is a silver grid of black and white portraits taped to the wall, reminiscent of Warhol’s famous screen tests, and a reminder of Goldin's exceptional composition. Furthermore, the image is cropped right above the subject's waist leaving their actual gender ambiguous if not irrelevant. Today, images of drag queens and glamorous trans woman are increasingly common in Western culture, considering the success of TV shows such as Rupaul's Drag Race...
Dye Transfer
Jimmy Paulette and Taboo! Undressing, NYC
By Nan Goldin
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. Beginning in the 1970's Goldin took candid shots of her lovers and friends - especially drag queens and trans women, characters often living on the margins of society, in New York City and beyond. "Jimmy Paulette and Taboo! Undressing” is a paradigm of Goldin's work from the early 1990s celebrating the glamour, beauty, and comradery of the New York drag scene. It is also an important image of one of Goldin's favorite subjects. The photograph features Jimmy Paulette and Taboo!, two of Goldin's beloved and recurring muses, in a New York apartment. Jimmy Paulette, on the left, poses against the door frame, with a strong gaze that is both demure and mischievous. His Mona Lisa smile and kind eyes contribute to the sense of intimacy that this piece evokes. Meanwhile, Taboo!'s profile is visible on the bottom right through the reflection of a floor-length mirror. This image is one of several iconic photographs of Jimmy Paulette that represent the unique energy and presence of Drag during New York City Pride, including Jimmy Paulette on David's Bike, NYC and Jimmy Paulette After the Parade, 1991 Today, images of drag queens and glamorous trans women are increasingly common, considering the success of TV shows such as RuPaul's Drag Race...
C Print