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Photographing the 'chosen family' – Nan Goldin and Rene Matić

  • Last updated: 22 July 2026

Exhibition

Fragile Beauty: Photographs from the Sir Elton John and David Furnish Collection

  • Ran from 18 May 2024 to 5 January 2025 at V&A South Kensington

  • V&A South Kensington

In an era of smartphone cameras we can all take photographs, but what makes an image 'great'? Join V&A Parasol Foundation Curator of Women in Photography Fiona Rogers and Artist Rene Matić as they deconstruct a photograph by one of the most influential artists of our generation to reveal its power and significance.

The striking snapshot of drag queen Misty is a perfect example of Nan Goldin's pioneering approach to photography and forms part of a larger series, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency – a pictorial journey documenting and celebrating Goldin's 'chosen family' of Bohemian friends, the queer community, clubbers and lovers.

Exploring similar themes, but with a very contemporary take, Rene Matić reveals the influence and impact of Goldin's work on their own practice documenting their 'chosen family'.

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Find out more about the Parasol Foundation Women in Photography Project

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Header image:
Misty and Joey at Hornstrasse, photograph by Nan Goldin, 1992, Berlin, Germany. Museum no. E.53-1997. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London