Before The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, there was Barbara. Nan Goldin's harrowing photos tell the story of her sister's death and how photography saved her

Summary

Nan Goldin's "Sisters, Saints and Sibyls" delves into the life and tragic suicide of her older sister, Barbara. The book juxtaposes family snapshots and Goldin's own photographs with institutional documents, highlighting photography's power to preserve humanity against dehumanizing records. Goldin's early work, including this series, demonstrates photography's role as a personal lifeline and a tool for controlling narrative, influencing her later iconic "The Ballad of Sexual Dependency."

Key points

• "Sisters, Saints and Sibyls" connects Nan Goldin's photography to her sister Barbara's institutionalization and suicide.
• The book contrasts personal photographs with clinical records to assert Barbara's humanity.
• Goldin views photography as a lifeline that saved her life and shaped her artistic practice.
• The work serves as a reminder of photography's ethical role in controlling narratives and preserving identity.