Relapse/Detox Grid Possibly 1998 - 2000

Nan Goldin made this photographic grid, called *Relapse/Detox Grid*, as part of her unflinching documentation of her own life and the lives of her friends. Goldin's work often functions as a kind of counter-archiving, and this work, like much of her photography, captures private moments that mainstream culture often shies away from. Made at an unconfirmed date, this piece juxtaposes the highs and lows of addiction and recovery, depicting both the isolation and the camaraderie of those experiences. In the West, the concept of addiction has often been heavily stigmatized. Goldin’s open discussion and visual representation is an effort to challenge this perception and foster a more empathetic understanding. Her photographs are in conversation with a longer history of documentary photography. But, her intensely personal perspective sets her apart from traditional photojournalism. To delve deeper, look into the history of addiction treatment and the representation of drug use in art and media. Goldin’s archive offers invaluable insights into the lives of marginalized communities, and the power of art to promote social change.