Nan Goldin's 2006 Exhibition 'Chasing a Ghost' at Matthew Marks Gallery Explores Trauma Through Cinematic Media

From March 11 to April 22, 2006, Nan Goldin showcased 'Chasing a Ghost' at Matthew Marks Gallery in New York City. This exhibition featured a series of photographs alongside a 39-minute DVD projection, which included a triptych named 'Saints, Sisters, Sibyls.' This piece delves into the medieval narrative of St. Barbara, the tragic suicide of Goldin's sister Barbara at the age of 19, and Goldin's own battles with addiction. The work blends documentary elements with personal revelations, transitioning from snapshot styles to a more cinematic approach, all set to Johnny Cash's 'Hurt.' Goldin's visual approach shifted to warmer tones and blur effects, drawing inspiration from Alfred Stieglitz's 'Equivalents.' The video ends with a tribute to sisters lost to suicide or institutionalization, connecting personal pain to broader societal issues regarding female sexuality.