Diane Arbus Knihy

The book features a collection of Diane Arbus's iconic photographs, showcasing her unique perspective on marginalized individuals and the complexities of human experience. Accompanying a major exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art, it offers insights into her artistic process and the themes of identity and societal norms. Through striking imagery, readers are invited to explore the profound narratives behind each photograph, reflecting Arbus's significant impact on contemporary photography and culture.

The book reproduces two hundred full-page duotones of Diane Arbus photographs spanning her entire career, many of them never before seen. It also includes an essay, "The Question of Belief," by Sandra S. Phillips, senior curator of photography at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, and "In the Darkroom," a discussion of Arbus's printing techniques by Neil Selkirk, the only person authorized to print her photographs since her death. A 104-page Chronology by Elizabeth Sussman, guest curator of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art show, and Doon Arbus, the artist's eldest daughter, illustrated by more than three hundred additional images and composed mainly of previously unpublished excerpts from the artist's letters, notebooks, and other writings, amounts to a kind of autobiography. An Afterword by Doon Arbus precedes biographical entries on the photographer's friends and colleagues by Jeff I. Rosenheim, associate curator of photographs at The Metropolitan Museum of Art. These texts help illuminate the meaning of Diane Arbus's controversial and astonishing vision.

Diane Arbus's black-and-white photography offers a compelling exploration of "outsiders" in postwar America, provoking strong reactions ranging from admiration to criticism. Her evocative portraits challenge societal norms and elicit diverse interpretations, with some viewing her work as sinister while others find it sincere and compassionate. The absence of her personal narrative has led to a rich discourse influenced by art criticism and cultural changes, solidifying her status as a pivotal figure in American photography.

The large format reproduction showcases Diane Arbus's pivotal 1971 portfolio, "A box of ten photographs," which played a crucial role in establishing photography as a recognized art form. Highlighted by "Artforum" editor Philip Leider, this collection emphasizes Arbus's unique vision and the profound impact of her work on the art world.