Nan Goldin's Complete 'The Ballad of Sexual Dependency' Premieres in UK at Gagosian London in 2026

In 2026, Gagosian London will showcase all 126 photographs from Nan Goldin's iconic series 'The Ballad of Sexual Dependency,' representing the first comprehensive exhibition of this pivotal work in the UK. Spanning from 1973 to 1986, these images offer an unfiltered glimpse into the intimate lives of downtown New York's subcultures, highlighting themes of vulnerability, resilience, and relationships. This exhibition aligns with the 40th anniversary of the book's release, which Goldin referred to as 'the diary I let people read.' The immersive installation will feature archival pigment prints, enhancing the book's emotional depth through thoughtful spacing and framing. Concurrently, Goldin's retrospective 'This Will Not End Well' is on view at Pirelli HangarBicocca in Milan until 15 February 2026, before heading to the Grand Palais in Paris. Additionally, her multimedia slideshow 'Stendhal Syndrome' is available at the Vancouver Art Gallery through April 2026. Goldin's legacy continues to inspire contemporary photographers like Petra Collins, Deana Lawson, and Zanele Muholi, who embrace her raw approach to intimacy and identity. The exhibition at Gagosian will be open until 21 March 2026.