ARTIST RESEARCH
Nan Goldin
Biography
Nan Goldin was born on September 12, 1953, in Washington, D.C., and raised in a Jewish family in Massachusetts. Her early life was marked by trauma, including the suicide of her older sister when Goldin was just eleven. At the age of fourteen, she fled her conventional home life and became immersed in the vibrant and often tumultuous subcultures of New York City during the 1970s and 1980s. Goldin began using photography as a means to document her life and the lives of her friends—her chosen family—often capturing intimate moments that reflected themes of love, loss, addiction, and identity.
Nan one month after being battered, 1984
Greer and Robert on the bed, NYC, 1953ALT
Artistic Style and Philosophy
Goldin's artistic style is characterized by its raw, snapshot-like quality that emphasizes intimacy and emotional connection. She often employs a diaristic approach, treating her photographs as a visual diary that reflects her experiences and relationships. Her work is notable for its candidness; she does not shy away from depicting difficult subjects such as trauma, violence, and sexuality. Goldin believes that photography can serve as a powerful tool for preserving memories and creating connections, making it particularly relevant to the theme of family photography in the digital age.
Nan Goldin Exhbition, Burlington Arcade, London, 5/2024
Nan Goldin Exhbition, Burlington Arcade, London, 5/2024
Featured Works
The Ballad of Sexual Dependency (1986): This seminal work consists of over one hundred photographs that chronicle Goldin's life and the lives of her friends. It explores themes of love, desire, loneliness, and friendship within the context of the LGBTQ+ community during the AIDS crisis. The exhibition was organized by MOMA in 2017, featured over 700 initimate portraits from Nan Goldin archive.
Philippe H. and Suzanne Kissing at Euthanasia, New York City, 1981
Rise and Monty Kissing, New York City, 1980
Nan on Brian’s Lap, Nan’s Birthday, New York City, 1981
Max and Richard, New York City, 1983
Exhibition in MoMa galleries, NYC, 2017
Exhibition in MoMa galleries, NYC, 2017
The Ballad of Sexual Dependency book by Aperture
Exhibition in MoMa galleries, NYC, 2017
Jimmy Paulette and Taboo! In the Bathroom, New York (1991): This iconic photograph captures two drag queens in an intimate moment, highlighting the beauty and strength of non-traditional relationships. It exemplifies Goldin's ability to create a sense of belonging within her chosen family.
Jimmy Paulette and Taboo! In the Bathroom, 1991
Key Findings & Visual Influence on FMP
I have been deeply drawn to Nan Goldin ever since I first discovered photography—a time when I lacked a clear understanding of my own family and felt emotionally disconnected from them. During that period, I began to imagine finding a "second family" among friends who could truly understand me. Nan’s documentary photographs of life and love, often featuring her friends as subjects, moved me profoundly. They evoked emotions of empathy, connection, and even a sense of unease. Those moments of love captured in her images felt undeniably real, and it was clear that her relationships with her subjects must have been deeply intimate to earn the trust needed to document such moments.
I decided to research Nan Goldin because her work aligns closely with the themes of my Final Major Project—memories, emotions, family bonds, and the experience of loss. I believe that it is only when something is lost that people truly come to value and regret it.
Sophie Calle
Biography
Sophie Calle was born on October 9, 1953, in Paris, France. She studied at the École des Beaux-Arts before embarking on a career that would blend photography with conceptual art. Calle's work often involves personal narratives and interactions with strangers, reflecting her interest in exploring themes of intimacy, identity, and memory. Throughout her career, she has engaged with various media including photography, text, and installation art.
Sophie Calle, Wikipedia
Shiner, 2020
Artistic Style and Philosophy
Calle’s artistic style is characterized by its conceptual approach to storytelling. She often combines photographs with written text to create layered narratives that invite viewers into her personal experiences while simultaneously addressing broader themes of human connection. Calle's work challenges traditional notions of privacy and intimacy by exposing her own vulnerabilities alongside those of others. Her philosophy centers on the idea that personal experiences can resonate universally, making her exploration of family dynamics particularly relevant.
Patrick X, Sixteenth Sleeper, 1979
The Hotel, Room 47
The Hotel, Room 28
The Hotel, Room 29
Contribution
Calle has made significant contributions to contemporary art by blurring the lines between public and private life through her projects. She encourages viewers to reflect on their own relationships and memories while questioning societal norms surrounding intimacy and connection. Calle’s work has inspired many artists to explore personal narratives within their practices, emphasizing the importance of archiving memories in both physical and conceptual forms.
Sophie Calle Solo Show, October 2023
Sophie Calle Solo Show, October 2023
Sophie Calle Solo Show, October 2023
Sophie Calle Solo Show, October 2023
Featured Works
Take Care of Yourself (2007): This installation features a series of women interpreting an email from Calle’s ex-boyfriend who ended their relationship. The project examines themes of heartbreak and emotional processing within interpersonal relationships.
The Birthday Ceremony (1984): In this project, Calle invited friends to celebrate her birthday while documenting their interactions through photographs and text. This work highlights the significance of chosen relationships in shaping one's identity.
Sophie Calle, The Birthday Ceremony (Detail 1) 1998
Sophie Calle, The Birthday Ceremony (Detail 2) 1998
Sophie Calle, The Birthday Ceremony (Detail 3) 1998
Key Findings & Visual Influence on FMP
I was introduced to Sophie Calle through my lecturer, Mrs. Dương. Learning about Sophie Calle changed my perspective on the possible outcomes I could create for my Final Major Project (FMP). It showed me that I don’t have to be restricted to photographing people or portraying family emotions solely through rigid images tied to traditional occasions. Sophie Calle's storytelling works are evocative and leave room for interpretation, rather than directly narrating stories through documentary-style images of real life like Nan Goldin.
Van Nhi Nguyen
Biography
Van Nhi Nguyen is a contemporary Vietnamese photographer known for her exploration of identity, memory, and cultural narratives through photography. Born in Vietnam but later relocating to various countries for education and artistic development, Nguyen's work reflects her experiences navigating different cultural landscapes. She often incorporates elements from Vietnamese culture into her art while addressing universal themes related to family dynamics.
Vân Nhi Nguyễn, Hanoi Grapevine (2023)
Vân Nhi Self Portrait project - Tounge Language (2024)
Artistic Style and Philosophy
Nguyễn’s artistic style combines documentary photography with a conceptual approach that emphasizes storytelling through visual imagery. Her work often features intimate moments captured within domestic spaces or public settings that reflect contemporary Vietnamese life. She believes in the power of photography to preserve memories and challenge dominant narratives about culture and identity. Her philosophy aligns closely with the importance of archiving family histories as a means to maintain cultural heritage.
Van Nhi Nguyen works for A Magazine curated by Peter Do (2023)
Van Nhi Nguyen works for A Magazine curated by Peter Do (2023)
Contribution
Nguyen has contributed significantly to discussions surrounding Vietnamese identity in contemporary art. By documenting everyday life in Vietnam through a personal lens, she invites viewers to engage with cultural narratives that may be overlooked or misrepresented in mainstream media. Her focus on familial ties encourages younger generations to appreciate their heritage while fostering connections across cultures.
As You Grow Older Exhibition, NYC, 2023
As You Grow Older Exhibition, NYC, 2023
As You Grow Older Exhibition, NYC, 2023
As You Grow Older Exhibition, NYC, 2023
Featured Works
As You Grow Older (2019): This series presents a collection of photographs resembling a family album while challenging colonial perceptions of Vietnamese culture. It highlights personal stories intertwined with broader cultural narratives
Home (2021) - issue no. 26 from A Magazine Curated By Peter Do: “I always want to come home”: In this project, as a photographer, Van Nhi successfully conveyed Peter Do's longing for his homeland through his latest designs for Helmut Lang. She skillfully erased the boundaries between traditional Vietnamese cultural imagery and high fashion, blending the simplicity and Eastern aesthetics with the opulence and grandeur of the West.
Key Findings & Visual Influence on FMP
Van Nhi Nguyen is one of the first contemporary Vietnamese photographers I came to know, laying the foundation for my understanding of Vietnamese art photography through the lens of Gen Z. Through Nhi's projects, I have learned various ways to explore concepts, the bonds across generations in Vietnamese families, and her unique aesthetic, deeply rooted in Eastern culture.
By studying Van Nhi Nguyen’s work, I realized that familial love is not only expressed through images of family members gathered during traditional occasions but also through objects, dishes, homes, and other elements that embody the cultural essence of Vietnamese daily life.
Conclusion
Researching Nan Goldin, Sophie Calle, and Vân Nhi Nguyen provides valuable insights into the themes of family photography and archiving in the digital age. Each artist approaches these themes from unique perspectives—Goldin through intimate portrayals of chosen families; Calle through conceptual explorations of personal narratives; and Nguyen through cultural reflections on identity—offering rich material for understanding how photography can serve as a powerful tool for preserving memories across generations. Their works collectively underscore the significance of maintaining connections to our pasts while adapting to contemporary practices in an increasingly digital world.
VISUAL EXPERIMENTATIONS
Brainstorm
After consolidating the research I conducted, including the Family’s Albums Observation in Week 4, Literature Review in Week 6, and Artist Research in Week 10, I combined the key points from each research category to develop ideas for my Visual Experimentation Tasks. These tasks utilize aesthetic elements, meaningful aspects, or contextual issues highlighted in the research I have undertaken.
For me, ideas stem from questions, and two questions I asked after reflecting on all my research are:
What have I missed in my family life, particularly with my grandparents, the oldest living members of my family? If I only had one day to preserve as much as possible about them, what would I choose to capture in photos?
People often regret and feel remorse for not cherishing what they have until it's gone. So, if I were no longer here tomorrow, what would people remember about me?
For me, photography, especially family photography, is not about creating but about documenting, archiving, and preserving. In these visual experimentation tasks, instead of pressuring myself or expecting to produce highly aesthetic works, I focus more on emotions and my thoughts while creating those images. I want to experiment with my feelings, place myself in streams of thought I’ve never imagined before, truly experience them, and create images that reflect the narratives of reality. This time, I will let my emotions take the lead.
Brainstorming Mindmap
Installation Art
Ideatation
Inspired by Sophie Calle's visual storytelling projects, with her obsession over the loss of family relationships, I pose the question of what my existence means in the eyes of others. If I were no longer here, what would they say to me, how would they wish to honor me, and how could those reflections indirectly narrate the story of my life—its legacy, impact, and the significance of my existence in the lives of those around me?
Deliverable
An Installation Art piece created by me in collaboration with my close friends and family.
Method
Imagine my friends and family standing before my gravestone, conveying the words they’ve always wanted to say to me. I would take a small self-portrait, place it on a large canvas, and pass it around to my friends and family members, inviting them to write the messages they wish to share with me.
References
Learning Outcome
With this installation experiment, I aim to learn how to place myself in a passive role, acting as the facilitator for the work rather than directly creating it. By assuming the role of an entity that no longer exists, I expect the output of the piece to depend entirely on the emotions people feel for me. I want to explore how individuals express their emotions when faced with such a scenario (even though participants might be biased since the situation hasn’t truly occurred). Through this, I hope to understand their tendencies in expressing feelings or preserving memories of a life that has been meaningful to them.
Visual Outcomes
With this installation experiment, I aim to learn how to place myself in a passive role, acting as the facilitator for the work rather than directly creating it. By assuming the role of an entity that no longer exists, I expect the output of the piece to depend entirely on the emotions people feel for me. I want to explore how individuals express their emotions when faced with such a scenario (even though participants might be biased since the situation hasn’t truly occurred). Through this, I hope to understand their tendencies in expressing feelings or preserving memories of a life that has been meaningful to them.
Self-portrait - RAW
Self-portrait - Edited
Print out on A3 size
Final Outcome
Scanned Version
Evaluation
After this Visual Experimentation, I realized that hand-written text can bring profound visual storytelling to photography. Treating it as an installation art, based on my intentions for the participants, I understand that there will inevitably be some bias. However, from the perspective of experimentation and testing, I feel quite satisfied with this outcome. I believe this could serve as valuable material and inspiration for developing the final outcome of my FMP.
Documentary Photography
Ideatation
In the hustle and bustle of my life, I haven’t been able to spend much time visiting my grandparents. They have always cared deeply for me, often calling to check in and hoping I’d come by to spend a day with them. Recently, after leaving my job, I’ve been able to do that more. During my next visit, I want to observe their daily activities more closely and ask myself: If I only had one day to document everything I could about them, what would I capture?
The photographs will carry the spontaneous, snapshot-like quality of Nan Goldin’s work, combined with the rustic, simple, and familiar Eastern aesthetic found in the imagery of Vân Nhi Nguyễn.
Deliverable
A short documentary series featuring portraits, personal belongings, and scenes of the home closely tied to the daily life of my grandparents and family.
Method
A visit to my paternal grandparents’ home, sharing lunch, observing their activities, and documenting the detailed scenes of their home through photography. During this visit, I will practice observing objects, meals, and even the worn clothes imbued with the quiet, invisible love that the older generation has passed down to the next.
The camera I use to document
References
Learning Outcome
With this Documentary Photography experiment, I want to take on an active role, contrasting with the Installation Experiment. I aim to observe myself and reflect on what I would do to preserve memories and stories of a family member if this situation could truly happen in the future. Through the photos I capture—accurately reflecting my emotions and thought process when facing such a scenario—I hope to discover a potential outcome for my FMP.
Visual Outcome
Evaluation
After this Visual Experimentation, I came to realize that family photography isn’t merely about capturing people with shared blood ties standing together in a frame. It can also encompass objects and places within the home—things that may seem lifeless yet carry the soul, memories, and history of that family. Immersed in an indescribable emotion, using a compact camera gave me the freedom and ease to document these moments. A compact camera also made my subjects feel more relaxed and at ease, without the pressure of being photographed by a high-end, expensive device.
Parents’s Portrait
Ideatation
As the outcome of my secondary project, My True Beginning, the photos I captured of my parents for their 21st wedding anniversary evoked a very special and indescribable emotion. Standing in the unique position of both a photographer and a child of my parents, I wanted to immerse myself in this role, to feel and document the love my parents shared 21 years ago.
To me, this activity not only allows me to relive and preserve their love story but also provides meaningful and valuable experiences for my FMP. It bridges personal connections with professional growth, making it a deeply rewarding journey.
Deliverable
A couple portrait series of 5-10 photos
Learning Outcome
With the outcome of my Secondary Project, I aim to position myself as a Family Photographer—a storyteller capturing the narratives of the subjects in front of my lens. For me, starting with my own family's story is the best way to master this craft, as I am not only stepping into the role of a photographer but also embracing my identity as my parents' son.
This portrait series allows me to gain new perspectives while incorporating my personal artistic style into the genre of family photography. It’s a blend of professional exploration and intimate storytelling that deepens both my creative and familial connections.
Evaluation
Being in two roles at once—a son to my parents and a photographer—allowed me to truly place myself within the story of the subjects right in front of me. I feel that this was a meaningful and valuable experience and experimentation, helping me gain a deeper understanding of the essence of family photography. It also contributes significantly to the development of future outcomes for my FMP.
PROPOSED OUTCOMES
Purpose
To emphasize the importance of preserving family photography in Vietnam as a practice that safeguards family history, nurtures personal development, and connects generations through care and love.
Goals
Raise awareness, particularly among Gen Z, about the significance of archiving family photographs meaningfully. The project also aims to inspire young artists to explore family as a theme tied to their identity and artistic expression.
Visual Outcomes
Create a conceptual scenario where family photography is absent, highlighting the loss of personal identity and memories. The final outcome will include a large-scale exhibition, supporting materials, and a promotional campaign on social media and digital platforms.
ACTION PLAN
Purpose
Interview family photographers, including freelancers and studio professionals, to explore generational attitudes toward family photography.
Analyzing films, books, and case studies on photography and memory.
Researching modern digital archiving methods to promote sustainable practices for preserving family photographs.
Visual Outcome
Developing a production timeline and recruit suitable production assistants.
Creating the concept, mood board, and ideas for the photo series.
Executing the photo production and post-production processes.
Researching printing methods and paper materials, culminating in an exhibition to showcase the work.