Date; 1984 Medium: Photograph, colour, Cibachrome print, on paper mounted onto board Dimensions: Image: 695 x 1015 mm Collection:Tate

1. NAN ONE MONTH AFTER BEING BATTERED 1984
This photo speaks volumes as to “Domestic Violence,” having no
influence on social and economical backgroud. It appears to be taken in a
dim lite setting in the comforts of her own home.
Profoundly, this victim “NAN GOLDIN “had been beaten by her Boyfriend
as a direct result of other published works that included, her “ Sexual
Dependancy” in their relationship. He was not pleased at all with her
publication. It is said that he was adament about her keeping his privacy.
It’s kind of an Oxy Moron. Dating a Man that enjoys his privacy and yet ,
he chose to date a woman whose profession since High School was all
about the Chronicles of her life and the lives of friends and family.
The level of dysfunction in their relationship can be viewed, not only in
this photo but, a list of her work, such as,
• “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency “ A SLIDE SHOW EXHIBTION
which has the cover title and photo of her and her abuser Brian
Titiled: “Nan and “Brian in Bed, New York City 1983,”
• “Nan on Brian's Lap, Nan's Birthday, New York City 1981”
She took the time to wear fresh lipstick, that is Ruby Red . Oddly, the
color that she cleverly chose, enhances the redness in her eyes. She is
well dressed for this photo. She is Adorned with dangling earrings and a
string of pearls. Her wine brown hair is styled to perfection offering the
perfect sillohette that frames her beaten face that paradoxically, appears
to be healing.
As she sits in front of the camera, she looks directly into the lens with
bloodshot and swollen eyes. Her expression on her entire face
demonstrates the pain that she had to endure in having to face the world
battered. The value of this picture is dark in that she, not only chose to
wear Black but createing the perfect lighting in the room .
It seems to be darkened with the exception of a soft light perhaps from a
lamp not shown in the photo or pershaps the flash from the camera that
she used to take this photo. The space in this photo is directed to her as
the subject, which tells me that her intentions was to make sure that the
focus was purely on her face. Nothing else in terms of shared space is
needed in this photo. The space to me would be considred negative. I say
this because, there is no sign of movemnet in this photo. Sometimes, Less
is truly more. This portrait that was taken by someone or perhaps with
an tripod, and demonstrates the shame being brought to light for the
world!

2. The fact that she became an artist and a subject for herself and her
friends from high school age, makes me wonder. Did she and her friends
create all of the drug abuse, reckless behavior and violence Diabolically to
create art where there was none? It gives way to the Idea of…
“Art Imitating Life!”
Nan Go Artist : Nan Goldin born 1953 Title: Nan one month after being battered ; Date 1984-
Medium :
Photograph, colour, Cibachrome print, on paper mounted onto board: Dimensions Image: 695
x 1015 mm Collection Tate Acquisition Purchased 1997 Reference P78045Steps for Success
http://eds.b.ebscohost.com/eds/detail/detail?vid=3&sid=d0b9d630-59ae-40c2-bf2d-
6898bf24beed%40sessionmgr113&hid=112&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWRzLWxpdmU%3d#AN=4445
5823&db=a9hhttp://www.tate.org.uk/art/artworks/goldin-nan-one-month-after-being-
battered-p78045
http://www.matthewmarks.com/new-york/artists/nan-goldin/

3. Written by Winifred Beasley for the Art Institue of Pittsburgh