So, with my first topical blog, I thought I would write about the artist who without a doubt has been the most influential to me: Diane Arbus.
Diane Arbus was a photographer who documented the contemporary culture of the 1950's and '60's, and who's work was gritty, poetic, and often brutally honest.
So why do I find her portraits so spellbinding? It's not a simple answer.
I think you have to begin by taking into account the time period she was working and creating in. Her images were of the forgotten, and neglected. Those who eked their way through life. Or, in the case of her images from nudist resorts, persons who simply lived life... differently. Her work was in stark contrast to the popular culture of the time.
The collection of images I do find myself pulling out and viewing on occasion, is a book entitled "Untitled". And it is the only published collection which I am aware of that is devoted to a singular project of hers. The photographs in the book were taken between 1969 and 1971 at residences for the mentally retarded. It was published posthumously, as Diane took her own life in 1971, unfortunately.
For anyone reading this who may be more interested in finding out more about Diane's life, I highly recommend the biographical book entitled "Diane Arbus, A Biography", by Patricia Bosworth. Or for that matter, any collection containing her works.
B.Q.
