Aperture 239: Ballads

Published in 1986, Nan Goldin’s Ballad of Sexual Dependency, with its fresh, unflinching portrayal of the photographer’s circle of friends, dramatically changed the course of photography. Decades on, the series retains its searing power, influencing new generations of artists. Goldin herself remains a bold, singular force in our culture. Recently, she has taken on the Sackler family, shining a light on their role in creating America’s opioid crisis. Goldin’s trenchant activism is a reminder of the artist’s power to effect social change. The Ongoing Ballad issue of Aperture magazine is organized around the themes contained within the original ballad—intimacy, friendship, community, love, sex, trauma, music—while also honoring the urgent role of the artist as a force for cultural and social change.

The Ballads issue of Aperture magazine is organized around the themes contained within the original ballad—intimacy, friendship, community, love, sex, trauma, music—while also honoring the urgent role of the artist as a force for cultural and social change.

Few works have impacted the world of photography like Nan Goldin’s The Ballad of Sexual Dependency. Published by Aperture in 1986, The Ballad retains an uncommon power with its unflinching portrayal of friends, lovers, and relationships—a dramatic opera of joy and despair. Decades on, influencing new generations of artists. Goldin herself remains a bold, singular force in our culture. Aperture magazine returns to an iconic work with “Ballads,” a special issue featuring an exclusive interview with Goldin as well as a section curated by the artist dedicated to her influences.

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