Misty and Jimmy 1980

Nan Goldin made this photograph, Misty and Jimmy, using the everyday material of 35mm film. It wasn’t fine art materials that interested Goldin, but the immediacy and intimacy that came with this format. Her work is often rooted in personal relationships, in this case, the vibrant subculture of 1980s downtown New York. Consider the styling, the makeup, and the way these details inform the image’s meaning. These drag artists challenge conventional notions of beauty, gender, and sexuality. Misty’s shiny vinyl top, though mass-produced, becomes a form of self-expression when worn, a way of performing an identity. Think about the labor involved in creating these identities. The makeup, hairstyling, and clothing are all carefully chosen, transforming the body. In Goldin's hands, these are the raw materials of a life fully lived. The photograph freezes a moment that speaks to the power of self-creation, community, and the breaking down of social norms. It’s a reminder that creativity can be found not just in studios, but in every aspect of our lives.