Goldin has photographed them close-up, sitting next to each other inside a taxi. They are framed against the taxi's rear and side windows, through which other yellow New York taxis are visible. The drag queens stare directly at Goldin's camera, aimed at them from the taxi's front seat. They are cropped just below breast level. The camera's flash has illuminated and accentuated their heavy makeup and shiny clothes. Misty wears a light blue wig, big heart-shaped silver earrings and a pvc-textured sleeveless top stretched tight over large fake breasts. Jimmy Paulette's costume includes a streaked blonde wig, a white stretchy-net top and a gold bra, the straps of which have fallen off his shoulders. White padding visible in one of the bra cups and two large holes in the front of the white net confer a sleazy edge to this glamour. Goldin first encountered drag queens in 1972 and quickly became obsessed. She explained:
Nan Goldin describes her photographs as a 'visual diary'. She has stated: 'These are my friends, these are my family, this is myself. There is no separation between me and what I photograph.' The self-portrait Nan one month after being battered was taken to prevent Goldin from forgetting the damage caused by her boyfriend's violence. She applies the same frankness to the lives of her close friends. Goldin is attracted to the glamour of the world of drag-queens and transvestites. In Jimmy Paulette and Taboo! Undressing, NYC 1991, two men are caught in the midst of their gender transformation. Characteristically, this moment of exposure is presented with candour and empathy.
Technique and condition
A cibachrome photograph printed on high gloss resin coated paper, which has been drymounted to a sheet of foam core board. The print is signed and dated with the title inscribed on the verso. The print is in mint condition.