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Published in 1986, Nan Goldin's Ballad of Sexual Dependency, with its fresh, unflinching portrayal of the photographer's circle of friends, dramatically changed the course of photography. Decades on, the series retains its searing power, influencing new generations of artists. Goldin herself remains a bold, singular force in our culture. Recently, she has taken on the Sackler family, shining a light on their role in creating America's opioid crisis. Goldin's trenchant activism is a reminder of the artist's power to effect social change. The Ongoing Ballad issue of Aperture magazine is organized around the themes contained within the original ballad-intimacy, friendship, community, love, sex, trauma, music-while also honoring the urgent role of the artist as a force for cultural and social change.
About the author
Nan Goldin (born in Washington, D.C., 1953) began photographing at the age of fifteen. She received a BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, in 1977. In 1978 she moved to New York, where she continued to document her “extended family.” These photographs, along with those taken in London, Berlin, and Provincetown, Massachusetts, became the subject of her slide shows and first book, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (1986). Goldin’s other books include The Other Side (1993), Ten Years After (1997), and The Beautiful Smile (2008). Her work continues to be exhibited worldwide. Goldin lives in Berlin, Paris, and New York.
Summary
The Ballads issue of Aperture magazine is organized around the themes contained within the original ballad—intimacy, friendship, community, love, sex, trauma, music—while also honoring the urgent role of the artist as a force for cultural and social change.
Few works have impacted the world of photography like Nan Goldin’s The Ballad of Sexual Dependency. Published by Aperture in 1986, The Ballad retains an uncommon power with its unflinching portrayal of friends, lovers, and relationships—a dramatic opera of joy and despair. Decades on, influencing new generations of artists. Goldin herself remains a bold, singular force in our culture. Aperture magazine returns to an iconic work with “Ballads,” a special issue featuring an exclusive interview with Goldin as well as a section curated by the artist dedicated to her influences.
