5.1 Diane Arbus and marginalized subjects

Diane Arbus revolutionized photography by focusing on marginalized subjects, including queer individuals. Her empathetic approach and unflinching gaze challenged societal norms, forcing viewers to confront their biases and see the humanity in those often overlooked or stigmatized.

Arbus's work, particularly her photos of drag queens and trans people, was groundbreaking in its time. By capturing the complexity and individuality of her subjects, she helped pave the way for greater visibility and acceptance of queer identities in art and society.

Diane Arbus's photography of marginalized subjects

• Arbus's work focused on documenting individuals on the fringes of society, including those who were often stigmatized or ignored
• Her photographs challenged societal norms and conventions, forcing viewers to confront their own biases and preconceptions
• Arbus's approach to photographing marginalized subjects has had a lasting impact on the field of photography and the representation of queer identities in art

Early life and influences

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• Born in 1923 in New York City to a wealthy Jewish family that owned a department store
• Studied photography under Berenice Abbott and Alexey Brodovitch in the 1940s
• Influenced by the documentary style of photographers like Walker Evans and Lisette Model
• Began her career in fashion photography before transitioning to more personal projects in the late 1950s

Development of unique photographic style

• Arbus used a square format camera and often shot her subjects at close range, creating a sense of intimacy and directness
• She frequently photographed her subjects in their own environments, such as their homes or workplaces, to provide context and authenticity
• Arbus's photographs were characterized by a stark, unflinching gaze that confronted the viewer and challenged traditional notions of beauty and normalcy
• Her use of flash photography in daylight created a harsh, almost surreal quality that heightened the sense of otherness in her subjects

Empathetic approach to subjects

• Arbus spent significant time getting to know her subjects and building trust before photographing them
• She often returned to photograph the same individuals multiple times over the course of several years
• Arbus's approach was marked by a deep sense of empathy and a desire to understand and humanize her subjects
• Her photographs captured the complexity and individuality of her subjects, rather than reducing them to stereotypes or caricatures

Photographs of drag queens and trans individuals

• Arbus photographed a number of drag queens and trans individuals in the 1960s, including Candy Darling and Marsha P. Johnson
• Her photographs of these subjects were groundbreaking in their time, as they provided a rare glimpse into a subculture that was largely hidden from mainstream society
• Arbus's photographs captured the creativity, resilience, and humanity of her subjects, even as they faced discrimination and marginalization
• Her work helped to challenge prevailing attitudes towards gender and sexuality, and paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of queer identities

Capturing the humanity of marginalized people

• Arbus's photographs of individuals with disabilities, such as her series on people with intellectual disabilities living in institutions, were similarly groundbreaking
• She approached these subjects with the same empathy and respect that she brought to all of her work, seeking to capture their individuality and humanity
• Arbus's photographs challenged the notion that marginalized individuals were somehow less than human or undeserving of dignity and respect
• Her work helped to raise awareness of the experiences and struggles of marginalized communities, and to promote greater understanding and compassion

Controversy and criticism of her work

• Arbus's photographs were often controversial in their time, with some critics accusing her of exploiting or sensationalizing her subjects
• Some viewers found her work disturbing or unsettling, as it forced them to confront aspects of society that they would rather ignore or deny
• Arbus was also criticized for her privileged background and the power dynamic inherent in her relationship with her subjects
• Despite these criticisms, many have argued that Arbus's work was ultimately empowering and humanizing, as it gave a voice and a platform to individuals who were often silenced or ignored

Impact on the perception of marginalized communities

• Arbus's photographs helped to challenge stereotypes and misconceptions about marginalized communities, including queer individuals
• Her work provided a more nuanced and complex view of these communities, highlighting their diversity, creativity, and resilience
• Arbus's photographs also helped to raise awareness of the challenges and discrimination faced by marginalized individuals, and to promote greater understanding and acceptance
• Her legacy has had a lasting impact on the representation of marginalized communities in art and media, paving the way for greater visibility and inclusion

Legacy in the history of photography

• Arbus is widely regarded as one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century
• Her work helped to expand the boundaries of what was considered acceptable subject matter for photography, and to challenge traditional notions of beauty and normalcy
• Arbus's distinctive style and approach have inspired countless photographers in the decades since her death
• Her photographs continue to be widely exhibited and studied, and have been the subject of numerous books, documentaries, and retrospectives

Influence on subsequent photographers

• Arbus's work has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of photographers, particularly those working in the documentary and portrait genres
• Her emphasis on empathy, individuality, and the human condition has inspired photographers to approach their subjects with greater sensitivity and respect
• Arbus's fearless exploration of taboo subjects and marginalized communities has encouraged photographers to push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable or marketable
• Her legacy can be seen in the work of contemporary photographers such as Nan Goldin, Catherine Opie, and Rineke Dijkstra, among many others

Relevance to queer art history

• Arbus's photographs of drag queens and trans individuals were some of the earliest and most visible representations of queer identities in fine art photography
• Her work helped to challenge prevailing attitudes towards gender and sexuality, and to promote greater visibility and acceptance of queer individuals
• Arbus's emphasis on empathy, individuality, and the human condition has been particularly resonant for queer artists and audiences, who have often faced marginalization and discrimination
• Her legacy has helped to pave the way for greater representation and inclusion of queer identities in art and media, and continues to inspire and influence contemporary queer artists