9.1 Diane Arbus and her photographs of marginalized communities
7 min read•august 19, 2024
revolutionized photography by focusing on marginalized communities in the mid-20th century. Her intimate portraits of people with disabilities, circus performers, and gender non-conforming individuals challenged societal norms and redefined artistic representation.
Arbus's unique style, characterized by square format and direct gaze, captured the psychological intensity of her subjects. Her work sparked debates about exploitation versus empathy, influencing and raising ethical questions that remain relevant today.
Diane Arbus's early life
Childhood in New York City
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- Born in 1923 to a wealthy Jewish family that owned a department store on Fifth Avenue
- Sheltered upbringing with limited exposure to the outside world, which later influenced her fascination with marginalized communities
- Attended private schools and showed an early interest in photography, receiving her first camera at age 18
Marriage to Allan Arbus
- Met Allan Arbus while working at her parents' department store in the early 1940s
- Married in 1941 and began a commercial photography business together, with Diane as the art director and Allan as the photographer
- Collaborated on fashion photography for magazines such as Vogue and Harper's Bazaar
Early career in fashion photography
- Worked primarily in fashion photography during the 1940s and 1950s, creating stylized and unconventional images
- Developed a keen eye for composition and a unique perspective on her subjects
- Grew dissatisfied with the limitations and superficiality of commercial photography, leading to her transition to art photography
Transition to art photography
Studying with Lisette Model
- Began studying with Austrian-born photographer in the late 1950s
- Model encouraged Arbus to pursue her interest in photographing marginalized subjects and to develop her own distinctive style
- Under Model's mentorship, Arbus began to explore the streets of New York City, seeking out unusual and overlooked individuals
Developing a unique style
- Abandoned the stylized approach of her fashion photography in favor of a more direct, confrontational style
- Used a square format camera (a Rolleiflex) to create intimate, head-on portraits that emphasized the subject's gaze and facial expressions
- Employed a flash to create a stark, unforgiving light that highlighted the subject's features and vulnerabilities
Focus on marginalized subjects
- Drawn to photographing people on the fringes of society, including those with physical and mental disabilities, circus performers, nudists, and sex workers
- Sought to capture the humanity and complexity of her subjects, often spending hours with them to build trust and rapport
- Challenged societal norms and expectations by presenting marginalized individuals as worthy of artistic representation
Photographs of marginalized communities
People with disabilities
- Photographed individuals with various physical and mental disabilities, such as Down syndrome and dwarfism
- Captured the dignity and individuality of her subjects, rather than focusing solely on their disabilities (e.g., "Teenage girl with Down syndrome, 1970")
- Challenged societal stigmas and stereotypes surrounding disability
Circus performers and "freaks"
- Fascinated by the world of sideshows and circus performers, photographing "freaks" and other unconventional entertainers
- Captured the humanity and vulnerability behind the performers' public personas (e.g., "Mexican dwarf in his hotel room in N.Y.C., 1970")
- Explored the blurred lines between performance, , and exploitation
Nudists and naturists
- Photographed nudist camps and naturist communities, capturing the unguarded moments and interactions of the participants
- Challenged societal taboos surrounding nudity and the human body (e.g., "Retired man and his wife at home in a nudist camp one morning, N.J., 1963")
- Explored themes of vulnerability, intimacy, and the natural state of the human form
Sex workers and gender non-conforming individuals
- Photographed sex workers, drag queens, and other gender non-conforming individuals, often in their private spaces
- Captured the complexity and humanity of her subjects, challenging societal judgments and preconceptions (e.g., "Transvestite at a drag ball, N.Y.C., 1970")
- Explored themes of identity, sexuality, and the performance of gender
Urban subcultures and outcasts
- Documented various urban subcultures and marginalized communities, such as bikers, addicts, and the homeless
- Captured the raw, unvarnished reality of life on the fringes of society (e.g., "Woman with a tattoo and a zippered sweater, N.Y.C., 1970")
- Explored themes of alienation, survival, and the human condition in the face of adversity
Arbus's photographic techniques
Use of square format
- Primarily used a Rolleiflex twin-lens reflex camera, which produces square-format images
- The square format allowed for a more direct, confrontational composition, with the subject often centered in the frame
- Created a sense of intimacy and intensity, as the viewer is drawn into the subject's gaze and personal space
Confrontational portraits vs candid shots
- Known for her direct, head-on portraits that confront the viewer with the subject's gaze and vulnerability
- Also captured candid moments and interactions, revealing the unguarded reality of her subjects' lives
- Balanced the staged and the spontaneous to create a complex, multifaceted portrayal of her subjects
Relationship with subjects
- Spent significant time with her subjects, often hours or even days, to build trust and rapport
- Engaged in conversation and listened to their stories, creating a sense of intimacy and understanding
- Treated her subjects with empathy and respect, even as she captured their vulnerabilities and flaws
Capturing psychological intensity
- Sought to capture the inner lives and emotional states of her subjects, rather than just their surface appearances
- Used lighting, composition, and the subject's gaze to create a sense of psychological depth and intensity
- Explored the complex, often contradictory nature of human identity and experience
Critical reception and controversy
"New Documents" exhibition at MoMA
- Arbus's work was featured in the groundbreaking "" exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in 1967, alongside Garry Winogrand and Lee Friedlander
- The exhibition marked a shift in documentary photography, emphasizing a more subjective, expressive approach to capturing reality
- Arbus's photographs were praised for their raw, unflinching portrayal of marginalized subjects, but also criticized by some for their perceived voyeurism and exploitation
Debate over exploitation vs empathy
- Arbus's work has been the subject of ongoing debate, with some critics accusing her of exploiting her subjects for shock value or personal gain
- Others argue that Arbus treated her subjects with empathy and respect, seeking to capture their humanity and complexity rather than simply sensationalize their differences
- The debate reflects broader questions about the ethics of documentary photography and the power dynamics between photographer and subject
Influence on documentary photography
- Arbus's work helped to expand the boundaries of documentary photography, pushing it beyond traditional notions of objectivity and social reform
- Her subjective, expressive approach influenced a generation of photographers, who sought to capture the psychological and emotional depth of their subjects
- Arbus's legacy can be seen in the work of contemporary photographers such as Nan Goldin, Mary Ellen Mark, and Rineke Dijkstra
Ethical considerations in portraiture
- Arbus's work raises important questions about the ethics of , particularly when working with marginalized or vulnerable subjects
- Photographers must navigate issues of consent, representation, and the potential for exploitation or misinterpretation
- Arbus's approach, which involved building relationships with her subjects and treating them with empathy and respect, offers a model for ethical engagement in documentary photography
Arbus's legacy and influence
Impact on photography and art
- Arbus's work had a profound impact on the field of photography, challenging traditional notions of beauty, normalcy, and the role of the photographer
- Her photographs are celebrated for their raw, unflinching portrayal of the human condition, and for their ability to find beauty and meaning in the marginalized and overlooked
- Arbus's influence extends beyond photography, with her work inspiring artists in various media, from painting and sculpture to film and literature
Posthumous publications and exhibitions
- After Arbus's death by suicide in 1971, her work continued to be published and exhibited widely
- Major posthumous publications include the monograph "Diane Arbus: An Aperture Monograph" (1972) and the comprehensive survey "Diane Arbus: Revelations" (2003)
- Retrospective exhibitions of Arbus's work have been held at major museums around the world, including the Museum of Modern Art, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Comparison to other photographers of outsiders
- Arbus's focus on marginalized subjects places her in a tradition of photographers who have documented outsiders and subcultures, such as Brassaï, Weegee, and Robert Frank
- However, Arbus's approach is distinguished by her empathetic engagement with her subjects and her ability to capture their psychological depth and complexity
- Her work has been compared to that of other influential photographers of outsiders, such as Lisette Model, Gary Winogrand, and Mary Ellen Mark
Continuing relevance and reappraisal of work
- Arbus's photographs remain highly relevant and influential, continuing to inspire new generations of photographers and artists
- In recent years, there has been a reappraisal of Arbus's work, with scholars and critics examining her photographs through the lenses of gender, sexuality, and disability studies
- Arbus's legacy continues to evolve as new perspectives and interpretations emerge, cementing her status as one of the most significant and provocative photographers of the 20th century
Key Terms to Review (18)
A Jewish Giant at Home: A Jewish Giant at Home is a photograph taken by Diane Arbus in 1970 that depicts a towering man, dressed in a casual manner, alongside his parents in their modest apartment. This striking image highlights themes of identity, otherness, and the complexity of familial relationships, while also shining a light on marginalized communities, particularly those with physical differences or disabilities. Arbus's work often focused on individuals who lived on the fringes of society, and this photograph exemplifies her fascination with the intersection of personal narratives and societal perceptions.
Body politics: Body politics refers to the ways in which the body is used as a site of social, political, and cultural meaning, particularly regarding issues of identity, gender, and power. It connects with how individuals navigate their bodies within societal frameworks, influencing perceptions of authority, control, and resistance. The exploration of body politics often reveals how marginalized groups challenge dominant narratives and assert their identities through various forms of expression.
Diane Arbus: Diane Arbus was an influential American photographer known for her striking and often unsettling images of marginalized communities, including people with disabilities, the elderly, and various subcultures. Her work challenged societal norms and encouraged viewers to confront the complexities of identity and difference, making her a key figure in the history of photography and the representation of underrepresented groups.
Documentary photography: Documentary photography is a genre that aims to capture real-life events, situations, and environments in a way that tells a story or provides insight into the subject. This style often emphasizes social issues, cultural movements, and the human condition, making it a powerful tool for raising awareness and understanding marginalized communities. By focusing on authenticity and reality, documentary photography serves as a visual record of societal narratives, often reflecting complex relationships and challenges faced by individuals and groups.
Feminist art movement: The feminist art movement emerged in the late 1960s and early 1970s, aiming to address and challenge the historical exclusion and misrepresentation of women in art. It sought to redefine artistic practices and the art world itself by promoting female perspectives and experiences, ultimately reshaping how art is created, viewed, and interpreted.
Feminist theory: Feminist theory is a broad intellectual framework that examines the social, political, and economic inequalities faced by women, aiming to understand and challenge patriarchal structures. It advocates for women's rights and emphasizes the importance of gender as a critical lens through which to analyze power dynamics in society, art, and culture.
Gender Roles: Gender roles refer to the social and behavioral norms that are typically associated with being male or female in a given society. These roles influence how individuals are expected to behave, dress, and interact based on their gender, often reinforcing stereotypes and limiting personal expression. In the context of art, these roles can impact the subjects that artists choose to depict and how both male and female artists navigate the art world.
Identical twins: Identical twins are siblings that develop from a single fertilized egg that splits into two embryos, sharing the same genetic material. This unique origin results in identical physical characteristics and often similar psychological traits, making them a fascinating subject of study in various fields, including art and psychology. Their shared genetics can lead to discussions about nature versus nurture and how environment can shape identical individuals differently.
Identity: Identity refers to the qualities, beliefs, and characteristics that define an individual or group. It encompasses how individuals perceive themselves and how they are perceived by others, often influenced by culture, gender, ethnicity, and personal experiences. In art, identity is explored through representation and self-expression, revealing insights into social roles and personal narratives.
Intersectionality: Intersectionality is a framework that examines how various social identities such as race, gender, sexuality, and class intersect and create overlapping systems of discrimination or disadvantage. This concept highlights that individuals can face multiple forms of oppression simultaneously, and it is essential for understanding the unique experiences of marginalized groups in society.
Lisette Model: Lisette Model was a significant figure in photography known for her powerful and intimate portraits of marginalized individuals, particularly those on the fringes of society. Her work often highlighted the humanity and dignity of her subjects, presenting them with an unfiltered and empathetic lens that paralleled the mission of photographers like Diane Arbus. By capturing raw emotions and personal stories, Model contributed to a growing recognition of the complexities of identity and representation in art.
Marginality: Marginality refers to the social, cultural, or economic status of individuals or groups that exist on the fringes of mainstream society. This concept often highlights how certain communities, defined by characteristics such as race, gender, sexuality, or disability, experience exclusion and discrimination. In this context, understanding marginality involves examining the complexities of identity and representation, especially as they relate to those who have been historically overlooked or misrepresented in various forms of art and media.
National Museum of Women in the Arts: The National Museum of Women in the Arts (NMWA) is a unique institution dedicated exclusively to celebrating the achievements of women in the visual arts. It serves as a vital platform for recognizing female artists and their contributions, while also influencing the art market, artistic styles, and social narratives through exhibitions and educational programs.
New documents: In the context of art history, 'new documents' refers to innovative photographic works that reveal previously unseen aspects of marginalized communities and challenge the dominant narratives surrounding these groups. This term is particularly associated with the work of Diane Arbus, who utilized her photography to provide a platform for individuals often overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream culture, thus contributing to a deeper understanding of their lived experiences.
Portraiture: Portraiture is the artistic practice of creating representations of individuals, capturing their likeness, personality, and sometimes their social status or identity. This genre of art has evolved over time and reflects cultural values, societal norms, and the roles individuals play within their communities. It often serves as a means of preserving memory and can provide insight into the historical context in which the subjects lived.
Postmodernism: Postmodernism is an art and cultural movement that emerged in the mid-20th century, characterized by a skepticism towards grand narratives and ideologies, embracing irony, pastiche, and self-referentiality. It often challenges traditional boundaries and conventions in art, reflecting a fragmented and pluralistic view of reality.
Second wave feminism: Second wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the 1960s and continued into the 1980s, focusing on a wide range of issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and workplace discrimination. This wave sought to challenge the traditional roles of women in society and to expand their rights and opportunities, building upon the first wave that primarily addressed legal issues like suffrage. The movement also highlighted intersectionality, recognizing how race, class, and sexuality intersect with gender.
The Guerrilla Girls: The Guerrilla Girls is an anonymous group of feminist artists founded in 1985, dedicated to addressing gender and racial inequality in the art world through activism and creative expression. Their work combines art with political messaging, using humor and bold visuals to challenge the male-dominated art establishment and highlight issues of representation and discrimination.