Diane Arbus exhibition opens in Canberra

3 August 2016

An exhibition of images by one of America's most influential 20th Century photographers, Diane Arbus (1923–1971), is showing at Canberra's National Gallery of Art. Diane Arbus – American Portraits showcases 36 rare vintage prints produced in the decade leading up to her death in 1971.

Identical twins Cathleen and Colleen Wade, 7, were spotted by Arbus at a Christmas party for twins and triplets. Identical twins, Roselle, NJ,1967 by Diane Arbus. Image courtesy National Gallery of Australia. — Identical twins, Roselle, NJ,1967, by Diane Arbus. Image courtesy National Gallery of Australia.

Best known for her black-and-white portraits, Arbus (1923–1971) often photographed Americans living on the fringe of society. A controversial figure in photography, Arbus has been hailed as an empathetic champion of the outsider and demonised as an exploitative voyeur.

The images in the exhibition come from the Gallery's own collection, and is the first time all 36 images have been displayed together.

Child with toy hand grenade in Central Park, NYC, by Diane Arbus. Image courtesy National Gallery of Australia.

These rare prints are shown alongside photographs by others who sought to redefine the tradition of portraiture. The work of these photographers relates to Arbus in a variety of ways: they are influencers, contemporaries or heirs to aspects of her worldview. Like Arbus, they are keen, singular observers of their worlds, transforming the sometimes banal and ugly into images of unexpected beauty.

A young man in curlers at home on West 20th St, NYC, 1966, by Diane Arbus. Image courtesy National Gallery of Australia.

The exiboition is open now and runs until 30 October 2016.

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