Peter Hujar's 1973 photograph of Candy Darling on her deathbed examined in anniversary reflection
Amelia Rina contemplates Peter Hujar's 1973 image "Candy Darling On Her Deathbed," captured shortly before the Warhol Superstar succumbed to lymphoma. This gelatin silver print, taken at Columbia University Medical Center, poignantly depicts her final days. Born James Slattery in 1944, Darling encountered prejudice while embracing her femininity in 1960s New York. Her diaries illustrate her resilience amid poverty and homelessness. Although she briefly rose to fame through Warhol's films and Tennessee Williams' "Small Craft Warnings," her subsequent rejection by Warhol left her heartbroken. Hujar’s photograph juxtaposes Darling's pale skin against dark surroundings, evoking a sense of Hollywood allure. Fran Lebowitz praised Hujar's impartial depiction, while John Waters commented on the dual nature of Darling's beauty. This image encapsulates Hujar's artistic legacy, highlighting Darling's character with profound emotion.
Key facts
- Peter Hujar photographed Candy Darling in 1973 at Columbia University Medical Center
- Darling died from lymphoma in 1974, possibly from hormone treatments
- Born James Slattery in 1944, Darling grew up in Long Island suburbs
- She starred in Andy Warhol films and Tennessee Williams' 1970 play "Small Craft Warnings"
- Warhol rejected Darling in 1972, saying he wanted "real women" instead
- Fran Lebowitz described Hujar's non-judgmental approach to photographing Darling
- The gelatin silver print features high contrast between dark room and white elements
- John Waters noted Darling's beauty confused people by attracting and repelling simultaneously
Entities
Artists
- Candy Darling
- Peter Hujar
- Andy Warhol
- Tennessee Williams
- Kim Novak
- Fran Lebowitz
- John Waters
- Amelia Rina
Institutions
- Columbia University Medical Center
Locations
- New York City
- Long Island
- United States