The Vision of Nan Goldin: 10 Iconic Quotes on Photography
Nan Goldin, a trailblazing photographer known for her raw and intimate portrayal of life, relationships, and loss, has captured the complexities of human emotion in ways that transcend traditional photography. Her work reflects a deep personal connection to her subjects, often blurring the lines between life and art. Below are 10 of her most compelling quotes, offering a glimpse into her philosophy and approach to photography.
1. Photography and Loss
“I used to think that I could never lose anyone if I photographed them enough. In fact, my pictures show me how much I’ve lost.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin’s photography is deeply intertwined with her sense of loss. For her, capturing images became a way to hold on to people and moments, but ultimately, her photos remind her of what is gone.
2. More Than a Style
“A lot of people seem to think that art or photography is about the way things look, or the surface of things. That’s not what it’s about for me… It’s about emotional obsession and empathy.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin rejects the notion that her photography is about aesthetics. Instead, her work is driven by an emotional connection to her subjects, capturing their raw, unfiltered lives.
3. The Blurred Line Between Life and Photography
“Where is the line between life and photographing life?”
— Nan Goldin
For Goldin, photography and life are inseparable. Her camera is always with her, recording the realities of her world, making it difficult to distinguish where life ends and photography begins.
4. The Camera as an Extension of Life
“The camera is as much a part of my everyday life as talking or eating or sex.”
— Nan Goldin
Photography is not a separate act for Goldin; it’s a fundamental part of her existence, integrated into every aspect of her daily life.
5. Photographic Empathy
“For me it is not a detachment to take a picture. It’s a way of touching somebody—it’s a caress.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin’s approach to photography is intimate and empathetic. Taking a photograph is not just about capturing a moment; it’s about connecting emotionally with her subject.
6. The Snapshot as Love
“[The snapshot is] the form of photography that is most defined by love… They’re about creating a history by recording a history.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin sees snapshots as acts of love. They are taken to preserve memories, to create a visual history of the people, places, and moments we cherish.
7. Art as a Form of Survival
“Every time I go through something scary, traumatic, I survive by taking pictures.”
— Nan Goldin
Photography has been a coping mechanism for Goldin, a way to process trauma and survive life’s darkest moments. For her, the act of taking pictures is healing.
8. Creating a Record of Real Life
“I wanted to make a record of real life. That included having a camera with me at all times.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin’s motivation to become a photographer came from her desire to document reality as she saw it, unfiltered by societal norms or expectations.
9. Preserving People’s Strength and Beauty
“My desire is to preserve the sense of people’s lives, to endow them with the strength and beauty I see in them.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin’s photography is an act of preservation, capturing the strength and beauty of her subjects as a way to honor their existence and legacy.
10. Photography as Connection, Not Voyeurism
“I am not a voyeur, as voyeurs photograph through closed windows and with me the window is always wide open.”
— Nan Goldin
Goldin’s photography is participatory, not detached. She photographs her own world, her own friends, and her own life, making her work a deeply personal and open reflection of her experiences.
FAQs: Nan Goldin’s Style, Philosophy, and Approach to Photography
1. What motivates Nan Goldin’s photography?
Goldin’s photography is driven by emotional obsession, empathy, and a desire to capture real life. Her work often deals with themes of love, loss, and the relationships she shares with her subjects.
2. Why does Nan Goldin view the snapshot as a form of love?
Goldin believes that snapshots are taken out of love and serve as a way to remember and preserve the people, places, and moments we hold dear. They are a personal history recorded through the lens.
3. How does Nan Goldin deal with trauma through photography?
For Goldin, taking pictures has been a survival mechanism during traumatic times. Photography allows her to process her experiences and emotions, making it a therapeutic act.
4. What is the connection between life and photography in Nan Goldin’s work?
Goldin’s camera is always with her, blurring the lines between life and art. Her photography is deeply connected to her everyday experiences, making it impossible to separate the two.
5. How does Nan Goldin approach her subjects in photography?
Goldin approaches her subjects with empathy and intimacy. She doesn’t detach herself from her subjects but instead sees photography as a way to connect, to touch, and to show the beauty and strength she sees in them.
Nan Goldin’s photography is a testament to the power of emotional connection, loss, and the human experience. Her deeply personal approach to documenting real life continues to influence photographers and artists who seek to capture raw, unfiltered moments.
