Two men dancing at a drag ball, N.Y.C. 1970
About this artwork
Like the photograph of the retired couple at home in a nudist camp, Arbus here makes a picture that seems both familiar and strange. This could be any couple caught in a moment of boredom at a social event; but, while the moment Arbus has caught is commonplace, the scenario isn’t, as here the couple dancing together are two men and the focus of the image is on the man in woman’s clothing who faces the camera. The man’s outfit – slightly ill-fitting wig, elaborate dress and dark lipstick – is unconventional, but his expression of boredom is familiar. Arbus’s bright flash ensures all the focus of the image is on him. The man he is dancing with is only visible from the back and, as he leans against his partner’s shoulder, his dark hair and suit blend into the background.
Updated before 2020
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artist:Diane Arbus (1923 - 1971) American
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title:Two men dancing at a drag ball, N.Y.C. 1970
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date created:1970; printed after 1971
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materials:Gelatin silver print on paper
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measurements:37.10 x 37.80 cm (framed: 61.80 x 61.80 x 1.90 cm)
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object type:
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credit line:ARTIST ROOMS National Galleries of Scotland and Tate. Acquired jointly through The d'Offay Donation with assistance from the National Heritage Memorial Fund and Art Fund, 2008
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accession number:AR00556
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gallery:
Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus
Diane Arbus is one of the most influential photographers of the twentieth century. Born in New York City, she was working as a fashion photographer before she began to pursue an artistic career. Arbus made portraits of people from across society, but is best known for her powerful images of people...