shashasha

An extensive exploration of the life and oeuvre of the great American photographer

Originally published to commemorate the international large-scale retrospective “Diane Arbus Revelations” organized by San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 2003, Aperture re-released this vitally important examination of Diane Arbus and her photographic legacy in 2022.
In more than 500 images, excerpts from Arbus’ writings, letters and notebooks as well as contributions by Sandra S. Phillips (curator), Elisabeth Sussman (guest curator), Doon Arbus (Arbus’ eldest daughter) and Neil Selkirk (only authorized printer of Arbus’ photographs), “Diane Arbus Revelations” presents not only the famous and lesser-known parts of Diane Arbus’ work but also explores her biography, her aspirations, her voice and her belief in the medium of photography. With the scope, love and careful attention behind this endeavor palpable on every single page, “Diane Arbus Revelations” represents an exceptional illumination of Arbus’ vision and accomplishments.

“Arbus’s frank treatment of her subjects and her faith in the intrinsic power of the medium have produced a body of work that is often shocking in its purity, in its steadfast celebration of things as they are. Presenting many of her lesser-known or previously unpublished photographs in the context of the iconic images reveals a subtle yet persistent view of the world.”
― from the publisher’s description