Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is unquestionably one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. A successor to Diane Arbus, her aesthetic and creative approach has had a tremendous impact on the realms of photography and fine art. She was the first to use the “slide show” format in a fine art setting and elevated the familiar snapshot into an art form.

“My Bed, Hotel La Louisiane, Paris” is an intimate still life taken of her unmade bed scattered with fruit and open notebooks. With its muted color palette and square crop, this composition is somewhat unusual for Goldin. The picture portrays a delicate tangle of bed sheets and blankets illuminated by soft window light, depicting the unadorned honesty and vulnerability that is essential to her creative expression.

This image is arguably more about exploring the range of colors and textures in the setting rather than a particular subject or narrative. The folds in the sheets lead the eye to the trio of ripe oranges in the center of the photograph, while the many shades of beige and brown seen in the crumpled paper, the headboard or the blanket's trim seem to amplify the oranges' intensity. 

While many are familiar with Goldin’s portraits, her interiors and still lifes are also an essential part of her oeuvre. Her most recent work places an increased emphasis on travel, interiors and scenes that are void of people – yet despite their absence, the images remain full of life and spirit.

Questions about this piece? Contact us or call +1.416.704.1720

“My Bed, Hotel La Louisiane, Paris”

Paris, 1996

Dye destruction print, flush-mounted

Signed, titled, numbered and dated by the artist verso

Edition of 15

28.5”H 28.5”W (work)

30.75"H 30.75"W (framed)

Framed with museum glass

Very good condition.