Diane Arbus (1923-1971) was an American photographer known for her compelling and often controversial images that focused on people living on the margins of society. She is considered one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century and made significant contributions to the field of documentary photography.
Arbus was born on March 14, 1923, in New York City. She grew
up in a wealthy and artistic family, and her parents owned a department store.
In the 1940s, she married Allan Arbus, and the couple started working together
as fashion photographers. However, Diane felt constrained by the commercial
work and eventually pursued her own artistic vision.
In the late 1950s, Arbus began photographing people in
marginalized communities, such as circus performers, giants, transgender
individuals, nudists, and people with physical and intellectual disabilities.
Her images often portrayed her subjects with a raw and unflinching gaze,
capturing their vulnerability and humanity. Arbus had a unique ability to
establish a connection with her subjects, and her photographs revealed a sense
of intimacy and empathy.
Arbus used a square format 6x6 camera and made use of
natural light to create her signature style. She was known for her meticulous
attention to detail and spent a significant amount of time with her subjects,
getting to know them before taking their photographs. Arbus' images challenged
conventional notions of beauty and normalcy, and she aimed to show the
diversity and complexity of human experience.
During her career, Arbus's work appeared in various
exhibitions, including the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. She also
published two books of her photographs: "Diane Arbus: An Aperture
Monograph" (1972) and "Diane Arbus: Revelations" (2003), which
provided insights into her artistic process and personal life.
Despite her artistic success, Arbus struggled with
depression throughout her life. Tragically, she took her own life on July 26,
1971, at the age of 48. Her work continues to have a profound impact on
contemporary photography, challenging societal norms and raising questions
about the nature of identity, beauty, and the human condition.
