Sœurs, Saintes et Sibylles

One of Nan Goldin’s most important series, Sisters, Saints and Sibyls focuses on the life of her sister Barbara. Goldin brings together hospital reports, family snapshots and her own photographs to construct a visual tapestry exploring addiction, abuse, trauma and female resistance. Barbara’s story is intertwined with Goldin’s own descent into, and emergence from, addiction.

Bringing moments considered shameful by others to the front of the page, Sisters, Saints and Sibyls is a liberatory experience, shining a light on the reality of addiction and trauma. It is, as Goldin herself notes, as ‘a tribute to my sister and to all rebellious women struggling to survive in society.

[publisher's note]