Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus: A Pioneering Photographer of Human Portraiture
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Diane Nemerov Arbus was born on March 14, 1923, in New York City. She is commonly known as Diane Arbus.
Birth and Death Dates
March 14, 1923 – July 26, 1971
Nationality and Profession(s)
Arbus was an American photographer of Jewish descent. Her work primarily falls under the genre of portraiture, with a focus on capturing the essence of individuals from marginalized communities.
Early Life and Background
Born to David Nemerov, a physician, and Gertrude Lans, Diane Arbus grew up in a family of modest means. Her parents encouraged her creative pursuits from an early age. In 1941, she married Allan Arbus, who would later become a successful photographer himself. The couple had two daughters, Doon and Melanie.
Major Accomplishments
Arbus's photography career spanned over two decades, during which she produced some of the most iconic portraits in history. Her work often featured individuals with disabilities, transgender people, and those from minority groups. This focus on social outsiders earned her both acclaim and criticism.
Notable Works or Actions
Arbus's photographs are characterized by their candor and sensitivity. Some of her most notable works include:
Child with Toy Hand Grenade (1962): A haunting image of a young boy holding a toy hand grenade, which serves as a metaphor for the fragility of childhood.
Identical Twins (1967): A portrait of two identical twins that explores the complexities of identity and individuality.
* A Young Brooklynite with a Jewish Family (1966): An image that captures the essence of a young boy's relationship with his family.
Impact and Legacy
Arbus's photographs have had a lasting impact on the world of photography. Her work has influenced generations of photographers, including Larry Sultan, Nan Goldin, and Gregory Crewdson. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City held a retrospective exhibition of her work in 1972, shortly after her death.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Diane Arbus is widely quoted and remembered for her ability to capture the essence of human portraiture. Her photographs are not only visually stunning but also deeply poignant and thought-provoking. She continues to inspire photographers and artists today, serving as a testament to the power of art to challenge societal norms and conventions.
In conclusion, Diane Arbus was a pioneering photographer who left an indelible mark on the world of portraiture. Her photographs continue to captivate audiences with their sensitivity, candor, and depth. As a testament to her enduring legacy, she remains widely quoted and remembered for her groundbreaking work.
Quotes by Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus's insights on:
I hated painting, and I quit right after high school because I was continually told how terrific I was... it made me feel shaky.
Freaks was a thing I photographed a lot. It was one of the first things I photographed, and it had a terrific kind of excitement for me. I just used to adore them. I still do adore some of them.
There is so much work to working that there are moments, moments, where I stop and look around, and it seems too arduous to go on. It isn't, of course.
That is why people have jobs and pay checks... it helps keep you from unanswerable questions.
I am full of a sense of promise, like I often have: the feeling of always being at the beginning.
I used to think consciousness itself was a virtue, so I tried to keep it all in my head at the same time: past, future, etc.
I want to photograph the considerable ceremonies of our present. I want to gather them, like somebody's grandmother putting up preserves, because they will have been so beautiful.
Men are but children of a larger growth, Our appetites as apt to change as theirs, And full as craving too, and full as vain.
