Name/Title
Bea Putting on Her MakeupEntry/Object ID
2255.Ph14Description
With a round, silver compact mirror, Bea, a light-skinned, brown-haired individual applies a coat of red lipstick. This instance in time captured by Nan Goldin, portrays a moment of vulnerability. The photograph captures a status between two beings, a transformative state. By applying her makeup, Bea expresses her identity. Oftentimes viewed as a mask forced upon women by society to meet beauty standards, makeup offers a means to authentic expression, especially to a member of Boston’s trans community during the 80s. Masks possess a duality that makeup particularly exemplifies. It is up to the wearer of the mask to cast that role. Will it impair one’s identity or enhance it?
Nan Goldin was a first-hand witness to society's effect on individuals' expression or repression of sexual identity. Specifically, Goldin’s teenage sister committed suicide because of such circumstances. Goldin explains that she observed the mid-century perception that sexuality, and its expression, should be controlled in order to meld into the mold of societal expectations. Otherwise, one was perceived as a threat. Such standards, which were held at home, inspired Goldin to leave home by the age of thirteen in search of community.
In contrast to the disheartening environment at home, Goldin found comfort and acceptance within the Boston trans community. Through her work, Goldin expressed her deep admiration for them. Goldin explained that these community members manifested their fantasies publicly. She used it as support to expose that, with a supportive community, both self and sexual expression are encouraged. Therefore, a welcoming community fosters authenticity.Artwork Details
Medium
Cibachrome color photographAcquisition
Accession
2255Acquisition Method
GiftCredit Line
Gift of Carlos Garcia-Velez and W. Kent Davis, 2014Inscription/Signature/Marks
Type
Signature, Date, TitleLocation
VersoExhibition
Photography from the Permanent Collection (2018)