Exploring the Mesmerizing Artistry of Nan Goldin

Nan Goldin, an American photographer renowned for her intimate and raw portrayal of human relationships, has left an indelible mark on contemporary art. Through her lens, she captures the complexities of love, pain, joy, and vulnerability with a haunting authenticity that resonates deeply with viewers. Let’s delve into the artistry of Nan Goldin, exploring some of her most iconic works and the profound impact they’ve had on the art world.

1. “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency”

Perhaps Goldin’s most famous body of work, “The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,” is a visual diary chronicling her life and the lives of her friends in New York City during the late 1970s and 1980s. Through gritty snapshots and candid portraits, Goldin captures moments of intimacy, ecstasy, and despair amidst the backdrop of a city plagued by the AIDS epidemic and social upheaval.

One of the defining features of Goldin’s work is her unflinching honesty. She doesn’t shy away from depicting the darker aspects of human existence, including drug addiction, domestic violence, and death. Yet, amidst the chaos and turmoil, there’s a sense of profound empathy that runs through her photographs, inviting viewers to connect with the subjects on a deeply emotional level.

2. “Nan and Brian in Bed”

One of Goldin’s most iconic images, “Nan and Brian in Bed,” is a hauntingly intimate portrait of the artist and her then-partner, Brian, lying entwined in bed. The photograph exudes a sense of vulnerability and tenderness, capturing a moment of quiet intimacy between two lovers. Yet, there’s also an undercurrent of melancholy, hinting at the fragility of human connection and the fleeting nature of love.

3. “Misty and Jimmy Paulette in a Taxi, NYC”

Misty and Jimmy Paulette in a taxi, NYC 1991 Nan Goldin born 1953 Purchased 1997 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/P78046

In this captivating photograph, Goldin immortalizes a fleeting moment shared between Misty and Jimmy Paulette, two of her close friends, as they ride in a taxi through the streets of New York City. The image is suffused with a sense of nostalgia, evoking the transient beauty of urban life and the bittersweet passage of time.

Goldin’s use of color and composition adds to the emotional resonance of the photograph, with the soft glow of streetlights casting a warm, ethereal hue over the scene. Through her lens, she captures not just the physical landscape of the city, but also the emotional landscapes of those who inhabit it, inviting viewers to contemplate the complexities of human experience.

4. “Self-Portrait in Kimono with Brian, NYC”

Nan Goldin, Self-Portrait in Kimono with Brian, NYC, 1983; Cibachrome print, 27 x 39 3/4 in.; National Museum of Women in the Arts, Promised gift of Steven Scott, Baltimore, in honor of the National Museum of Women in the Arts Tenth Anniversary; © Nan Goldin, Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery

In this arresting self-portrait, Goldin presents herself adorned in a vibrant kimono, standing alongside her partner Brian. The image is a testament to Goldin’s fearless exploration of identity and self-expression, as well as her willingness to confront societal norms and expectations.

Through her art, Goldin challenges conventional notions of beauty and femininity, celebrating the diversity of human experience in all its forms. Her self-portraits, in particular, offer a glimpse into her own journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of identity and belonging.

Conclusion

Nan Goldin’s art is a powerful testament to the beauty and complexity of the human experience. Through her raw and unfiltered portrayals of love, loss, and longing, she invites viewers to confront their own vulnerabilities and to embrace the full spectrum of human emotions. In a world often characterized by superficiality and pretense, Goldin’s work serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of authenticity and connection. As we gaze upon her photographs, we are reminded of our shared humanity and the universal desire for love, acceptance, and understanding.

Abstract Expressionism

Landscape at Stanton Street 1971 Willem de Kooning 1904-1997 MomA, Purchased 1986 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/P77158

Abstract Expressionism: Emotion in Art.

Landscape at Stanton Street 1971 Willem de Kooning 1904-1997, Tate Modern, Purchased 1986 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/P77158

Abstract Expressionism was a major art movement that emerged in the United States during the post-World War II era, specifically in the late 1940s and 1950s. It is often considered the first distinctively American avant-garde art movement that had a significant impact on the global art scene. The movement is characterized by its emphasis on abstract, non-representational art and a focus on the spontaneous, emotional expression of the artist.

Key Characteristics of Abstract Expressionism:

  1. Non-representational Art: Abstract Expressionists rejected traditional representational art, opting instead for abstraction. They sought to convey emotions and ideas through colors, shapes, and textures, devoid of recognizable imagery.
  2. Emotional Expression: Central to Abstract Expressionism was the idea that the act of creation itself was an emotional and spiritual experience. Artists used their works as a means of expressing their inner feelings and subconscious thoughts.
  3. Gestural and Action Painting: The technique often associated with Abstract Expressionism is known as “action painting” or “gestural painting.” Artists used bold, sweeping, and energetic brushstrokes, sometimes dripping or splattering paint directly onto the canvas, which created a sense of movement and spontaneity.
  4. Color Field Painting: Another prominent approach within Abstract Expressionism is “color field painting.” Artists would cover large areas of the canvas with expansive fields of color, often flat and unmodulated, to evoke emotional responses in viewers.
  5. Scale and Size: Many Abstract Expressionist works are large in scale, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the emotional intensity of the artwork.
  6. Subjective Interpretation: The movement encouraged individual interpretation, leaving the meaning of the artwork open to the viewer’s personal experiences and emotions.

Notable Abstract Expressionist Artists:

Autumn Rhythm (Number 30), 1950

Jackson Pollock (1912-1956): Famous for his drip and splash painting technique, Pollock is often considered the epitome of Abstract Expressionism.

Willem de Kooning (1904-1997): Known for his powerful brushwork and exploration of the human figure amidst abstraction.

Orange and Tan, 1954 Mark Rothko, Nat Gallery of Art Washington USA

Mark Rothko (1903-1970): A pioneer of color field painting, Rothko’s work focuses on large, vibrant color blocks that evoke emotional responses.

Meryon 1960-1 Franz Kline 1910-1962, Tate Modern, Purchased 1967 http://www.tate.org.uk/art/work/T00926

Franz Kline (1910-1962): Known for his bold, black-and-white paintings with strong, dynamic brushwork.

Untitled 1964, MoMA, USA

Lee Krasner (1908-1984): An influential artist in her own right and the wife of Jackson Pollock, Krasner’s work often explored both abstraction and natural forms

Impact and Legacy:

Abstract Expressionism had a profound impact on the art world, influencing subsequent movements and shaping modern art’s trajectory. It helped solidify New York City as the new center of the art world, replacing Paris. The movement also paved the way for later art forms such as Minimalism, Pop Art, and Color Field Painting. Furthermore, Abstract Expressionism’s emphasis on individuality and emotional expression promoted the idea that art could be a deeply personal and introspective experience for both artists and viewers.

Despite its initial controversy and criticism, Abstract Expressionism is now regarded as a pivotal movement that revolutionized the way art was perceived, created, and interpreted. Its legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts around the world, making it one of the most influential movements in the history of modern art.

Piet Modrian and his Philosophy of Modern Art

Tableau I, 1921, Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Piet Mondrian, a Dutch painter and one of the pioneers of abstract art, developed a distinctive philosophy on art that is often referred to as neoplasticism or the “De Stijl” movement. Mondrian’s philosophy was deeply rooted in his belief in the spiritual and transformative power of art. His ideas not only influenced his own work but also had a significant impact on the development of modern art as a whole.

Central to Mondrian’s philosophy was the idea that art should strive to achieve a universal harmony and order. He believed that through the use of abstract forms, colors, and lines, artists could express the fundamental principles of the universe and create a sense of balance and tranquility. Mondrian sought to distill the essence of reality into its purest form, removing any unnecessary elements and reducing everything to its essential geometric components.

For Mondrian, art was a means to transcend the physical world and access a higher spiritual realm. He believed that by simplifying and organizing the visual elements, artists could tap into a universal energy or truth that lay beneath the surface of appearances. He aimed to create a sense of dynamic equilibrium, where the tensions between opposing elements—such as horizontal and vertical lines, primary colors and neutrals—could be resolved.

New York City (1942), Paris, Centre Pompidou.

Mondrian’s artistic philosophy also emphasized the concept of “plasticity,” which referred to the dynamic relationship between elements within a composition. He believed that the interplay between positive and negative space, color contrasts, and the rhythmic arrangement of lines could generate a sense of movement and energy. This idea of plasticity reflected his belief in the interconnectedness and interdependence of all things.

In practice, Mondrian’s philosophy manifested in his iconic paintings featuring grids of black lines intersecting with blocks of primary colors. These compositions, often referred to as his “grid paintings” or “Compositions,” aimed to evoke a sense of harmony and equilibrium through the careful placement and balance of geometric forms. Mondrian’s use of primary colors—red, blue, and yellow—symbolized the fundamental elements of the universe, while the black lines represented the dynamic tension and structure.

Victory Boogie Woogie (1942–1944), Kunstmuseum Den Haag

Mondrian’s philosophy had a profound influence on the development of modern art and design. His ideas resonated with artists and designers who sought to break away from traditional representational forms and explore the potential of abstraction. The principles of neoplasticism and Mondrian’s emphasis on simplicity, balance, and harmony continue to inspire artists, architects, and designers to this day.

Overall, Piet Mondrian’s philosophy on art emphasized the pursuit of universal harmony, spiritual expression, and the reduction of visual elements to their essential forms. His work and ideas played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of modern art, and his legacy continues to be celebrated and studied by artists and art enthusiasts worldwide.

London2012: Final IT Systems Tests This Week

LOCOG and their lead systems integrator, ATOS will spearhead the final testing of systems across 17 venues this week. This also includes a simulated disaster recovery event to ensure that systems are ready and able to recover within hours from any disaster.

This reminds HD of when I was working in the city of London during the 9/11 events in New York and elsewhere. It’s not something one tends to forget in a hurry when one sees live on the overhead monitor, planes crashing into office towers!

I had arrived late that morning not being an early bird, only to find everyone glued to the screens around the office. At that point no-one knew exactly what had happened in New York. Grabbing the mandatory coffee and sitting down to also watch the events unfold within ten minutes the second plane hit the other tower in front of our eyes. Everyone was mesmerized and it then started to dawn that something major had  began to emerge. The next thing I noticed was that some of the data feeds to my Reuters terminal had stopped showing up as usual, but just then I never related the two events, not then anyway.

It was quite a few minutes later that the enormity of the terrorist attacks on New York started to sink in around the office. Within about one hour we had some sort of handle on what was happening, but there was little guidance from senior management. Being responsible for our disaster recovery centre as well as all the market data systems, I just got on with finding out what the effects on user data were and whether we needed to take actions regarding disaster recovery.

Within two hours I was at the recovery centre organising the possibility of gearing them up for action. It turned out that it was not necessary since eventually senior management gave the word for trading to cease and for all staff to leave the premises. I went back to the main office to find a few of my colleagues gathering tapes and all sorts of data up to take home with them. Just in case!

We left the offices at about 4pm, much later than the rest of the staff, and the talk by then was that maybe over 10,000 persons may have perished in the twin towers as they collapsed that afternoon(GMT). It was much later, probably days when I realized I had been sitting in an office on the ground floor of 33 Old Broad Street, adjacent to Tower42(formerly the NatWest Tower) and then still the tallest occupied tower block in the city of London. It would have been the equivalent to the Twin Towers of The World Trade Centre in New York, now just piles of rubble and mountains of dust particles. Had the terrorist chose London as their target Tower42 would have surely been on their radar for attack, but none of that sunk in at the time.

In the aftermath of events I learned that just one system had been affected, a system operated by Thomsons. It had operated out of one of the Twin Towers. Unfortunately its disaster recovery system was in the second tower and obviously it also failed that afternoon!

However, more importantly, we were learning that almost 3000 persons had lost their lives that day and that our experiences were insignificant in comparison to those of New York.

This is why I am reminded while ATOS and the other lead suppliers go through their disaster recovery exercise this week, that no matter how much you train and exercise events can overtake you very rapidly. LOCOG technical people say that if the technology works around all the venues then they and us technology volunteers of course, will just merge into the background of a truely great Games. That’s my wish and my goal in my small way through participation as a Gamesmaker and to make that a fact. I wish ATOS, etc. well this week in their final tests before the Games commence.

HD 22/05/2012

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A Rant to be ignored….




The ramblings of a probable lunatic:
The market will find its own low anyway. A period of strict money control will be good if a bit painful.
It's New Year already!!! Are you joking? How many new years to Jews want? Do they get them wholesale and move them on at will? Microwave ovens!
The Day of Atonement is an apt time to contemplate the next move so maybe the new year will pass without a hitch.
Question: How come Visa and Mastercard are not in trouble? Or are they? Is it because they franchise it out to the banks and rake off a commission from both sides?
I suppose some were moving money out of B&B today since they already had money in Abbey or A&L. Where to go? Co-op?
Co-op Divis! I liked the divi! I also liked the pipes in the Co-op stores where they put the money and it went to a cash desk and back again with the change and receipt. I was so impressed, then I was only 6 or so and it was so magic to watch.
Catechismic the man just said on the Beeb. I think they mean cateclysmic unles I am missing some Christian meaning here! Not even easy to say let alone get my head around it.
So it's all down to 9/11. I can accept that. Prop up a failing capitalist system when you get kicked in the balls. Yes, reaction to 9/11 is to blame for all this stuff. It's the echo of two planes crashing into the Towers.
Even Gandalf understood the importance of the two towers, or Tolkein or both.
And today the far right took a hold of Austria. Nobody gave a second thought. Anyone want to move there? Take your jackboots and get yourself a gun since Austria has the most guns in circulation in the EU after France, but France is a backward rural country I think!
They never even paid back much of the Nazi loot they took did they and now it starts all over again.
Did any Austrian bank go bust today? I doubt it, they stash it all away in Switzerland don't they? Along with the Nazi loot.
Why is a Belgian bank (Fortis) so important to Europe? Good heavens it's Belgian! Anyone know an important live Belgian? I don't. If I did I'd shoot them probably, can't have anyone upsetting the jokes equilibrium.
That 700 billion would be enough to give 300 dollars (although my maths is poor) to every man, woman and child on earth. Just imagine how that would change the lives of most African children.
All this on the day Dave's second in command gives us a promise of no council tax increases for 2 years or more.
Did you get the sub-plot? 'If the councils join the scheme..' he quietly added. What scheme? The one that will cancel the free bus travel? Who knows with politicians. Never trust a politician.
Mind you I'd love to see a Pepsi advert with Barny Frank (US) and Gordon Brown.
'…PEPSI…Lip Smacking Gob Dropping Good For Yer…'
HD

Palin to Insignificance -Please!




There is much talk about Sarah Palin the chosen one for US Vice-Presidency. Babies, Unmarried Mothers to be, Guns and God. HD has looked at some interesting information regarding the website of the Church that Sarah was once a member. This is all the website states now:
'…Governor Sarah Palin did attend Wasilla Assembly of God since the time she was a teenager. She and her family were a part of the church up until 2002. Since that time she has maintained a friendship with Wasilla Assembly of God and has attended various conferences and special meetings here. This June [2008], the Governor spoke at the graduation service of our School of Ministry, Master’s Commission Wasilla Alaska…'.
The site was taken down when inquisitive hacks started to probe the church, its message and Palin's beliefs. The former pages have all been removed on the pretext of technical difficulties. That is plausible of course. Hundreds, perhaps thousands of hits per hour in search of the word so to speak. It can get costly as very successful bloggers will tell you. Nothing is free, ever!
Not content to be passed off by such statements, HD decided to dig a little deeper to see what was there in the ether. There is always an echo somewhere and HD knows how to find it. Low and behold HD's innate ability to find something from nothing came up trumps, frightening trumps as they appear now to be. Nothing the Governor said mind, not on record anyway here. That has been wiped along with much evidence of the church's second site : www.wasillaag.net and its contents.
HD publishes then some extracts from these former pages for your inspection and evaluation. I am no theologian but some of the wording is quite frightening to a mere mortal as I.
Here for instance is a series of sermons that Pastor Ed Kalnins gave between September 19th 2004 and October 31st 2004.
Series Title: Possessing Your Destiny In The Land
The “Possessing Your Destiny In The Land” Series looks at the strongholds of the mind that are identified in Deuteronomy 7.1. Those nations are, in reality, mindsets that would try to keep you from walking in your God-given inheritance. Pastor Ed Kalnins ministered these messages, believing that they are the key to unlocking what God has for you in the Lord.
September 19 2004 Pastor Ed Kalnins Maintaining the Coming Revival (part 1)
September 26 2004 Pastor Ed Kalnins Maintaining the Coming Revival (part 2) The Canaanite Spirit
October 3 2004 Pastor Ed Kalnins Dealing With The Ammorite Spirit
October 10 2004 Pastor Ed Kalnins Tearing Down The Nations: Hittites & Hivites
October 24 2004 Pastor Ed Kalnins Overcoming The Gergashites
October 31 2004 Pastor Ed Kalnins Overcoming Perizzites and Jebusites
For each session there was a recording that could be listened to from the website.
Deuteronomy 7.1 basically states that '… the Lord your God brings you into the land which you are entering to take possession of it, and clears away many nations before you…' and continues '…you must utterly destroy them…'.
I repeat that I am no theologian and leave it to others to interpret why the Wasilla Assembly of God would want to produce sermons on this Deuteronomy but it cannot be rocket science that takes me from this to Guns and God talk.
I have no idea what was said but it is up to the Wasilla Assembly of God church to now produce those recordings as evidence of their benign intentions. Anything else is open to judgment along with its implications with respect to Governor Palin who maintains '…a friendship with Wasilla Assembly of God and has attended various conferences and special meetings here…' [Wasilla.org website September 3rd 2008].
During the same year the Evangelist John Bevere attended the church. His book 'Drawing Near' 2004 and it is likely his visit was in connection with promotion. However Bevere runs Messenger Media a provider of audio/visual recording equipment to ministries in the USA. Maybe Bevere has a copy of the above audio tapes?
Wasilla also has a youth movement which at one time had a website: namelessyouth.com. That does not work either but HD has seen the ghosts…and if they can put some names to faces maybe Palin's daughter figures here somewhere. Certainly she should have discussed her problems if the youth Pastor Lopez and his wife Mindy are concerned. They invite all Wasilla citizens to come and talk about their relationships. My best guess is that she did not do so and got pregnant anyway.
Here is the video re: God and Leaders.

HD