The Vision of Diane Arbus: 15 Iconic Quotes on Photography
Diane Arbus, known for her raw and intimate portraits, forever changed the way we perceive photography. Her work delves deep into the human condition, capturing the beauty, flaws, and contradictions of her subjects. Below are 15 of her most memorable and insightful quotes, offering a glimpse into her philosophy on art, life, and photography.
1. The Secret in a Photograph
“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know.”
— Diane Arbus, ArtForum, May 1971
2. Capturing the Unseen
“I really believe there are things nobody would see if I didn’t photograph them.”
— Diane Arbus, Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph
3. Trauma and Aristocracy
“Most people go through life dreading they’ll have a traumatic experience. Freaks were born with their trauma. They’ve already passed their test in life. They’re aristocrats.”
— Diane Arbus, on photographing “freaks”
4. The Subject Over the Picture
“For me, the subject of the picture is always more important than the picture.”
— Diane Arbus, New York: Aperture Foundation, 1972
5. Better or Worse
“I never have taken a picture I’ve intended. They’re always better or worse.”
— Diane Arbus
6. The Power of the Camera
“There’s a kind of power thing about the camera. I mean, everyone knows you’ve got some edge. You’re carrying some magic which does something to them. It fixes them in a way.”
— Diane Arbus, Remarks made in class, 1971
7. Confronting Fear
“Take pictures of what you fear.”
— Diane Arbus
8. The Pain of Being Photographed
“I think it does, a little, hurt to be photographed.”
— Diane Arbus
9. The Beauty of Flaws
“Everybody has that thing where they need to look one way but they come out looking another way, and that’s what people observe. You see someone on the street and essentially what you notice about them is the flaw.”
— Diane Arbus
10. The Thrill of the Unknown
“My favorite thing is to go where I’ve never been.”
— Diane Arbus
11. Embracing Uncertainty
“The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.”
— Diane Arbus
12. Learning from Failure
“Some pictures are tentative forays without your even knowing it. They become methods. It’s important to take bad pictures.”
— Diane Arbus
13. Technique from Within
“What moves me about… what’s called technique… is that it comes from some mysterious deep place.”
— Diane Arbus
14. Awkwardness as Art
“I work from awkwardness. By that I mean I don’t like to arrange things. If I stand in front of something, instead of arranging it, I arrange myself.”
— Diane Arbus
15. Capturing Humanity
“There are an awful lot of people in the world, and it’s going to be terribly hard to photograph all of them.”
— Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus pushed the boundaries of photography, capturing the raw and often uncomfortable truths of human existence. Her quotes reflect her deep belief in the power of photography as an art form that reveals both the seen and the unseen, the beautiful and the flawed.
FAQs: The Vision of Diane Arbus
1. Who was Diane Arbus?
Diane Arbus was a groundbreaking American photographer known for her raw, intimate portraits that explored the complexities of the human experience. She often focused on marginalized individuals and subcultures, challenging conventional notions of beauty and normalcy.
2. What themes are prevalent in Arbus’s photography?
Arbus’s work delves into themes such as identity, vulnerability, and the human condition. She captures the beauty and flaws of her subjects, often portraying people in unconventional circumstances or appearances.
3. What does Arbus mean by “A photograph is a secret about a secret”?
This quote suggests that photography reveals hidden truths and complexities about its subjects. The more a photograph communicates, the deeper the layers of meaning, often leaving viewers with more questions than answers.
4. How did Diane Arbus approach her subjects?
Arbus believed in confronting her fears and capturing what was often unseen. She had a unique ability to connect with her subjects, which allowed her to depict their genuine selves rather than an idealized version.
5. What did Arbus mean by “Take pictures of what you fear”?
This quote emphasizes the importance of exploring uncomfortable subjects. By photographing what terrifies or intrigues us, we can confront our own biases and expand our understanding of the world.
6. Why did Arbus believe that flaws are significant in photography?
Arbus felt that flaws reveal the truth of a person’s character and experience. Instead of striving for perfection, she celebrated the uniqueness and authenticity found in imperfections.
7. What role did uncertainty play in Arbus’s work?
Arbus embraced uncertainty, often stating that it’s essential to remain open and adaptable in the creative process. This mindset allowed her to explore new ideas and capture candid moments.
8. How did Diane Arbus view the act of being photographed?
Arbus acknowledged that being photographed could be uncomfortable, suggesting that it exposes vulnerabilities and alters perceptions of self.
9. What does Arbus mean by “I work from awkwardness”?
Arbus preferred to embrace the awkwardness of situations rather than arranging her subjects artificially. She believed that true authenticity comes from being present and engaged in the moment.
10. How did Arbus impact the field of photography?
Diane Arbus challenged traditional photography norms, pushing boundaries with her candid style and focus on marginalized communities. Her work has inspired countless photographers and continues to resonate in contemporary art.
