Nan Goldin's Paris Retrospective Explores Trauma and Memory

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Photographer and activist Nan Goldin's first major Paris retrospective, 'Sisters, Saints, Sibyls' and 'The Ballad of Sexual Dependency', offers a deeply personal and unflinching exploration of trauma, grief, and the human experience. Installed across two iconic Parisian venues, the exhibition immerses visitors in Goldin's own life story and the lives of her friends and loved ones, creating a powerful collective memory.

Why it matters

Goldin's work has long been celebrated for its raw honesty and ability to give voice to marginalized communities. This retrospective solidifies her legacy as a trailblazing artist who used photography to process her own traumas and elevate the experiences of those around her, many of whom faced societal prejudices.

The details

The exhibition is divided into two parts. At the Chapelle Saint-Louis de la Salpêtrière, 'Sisters, Saints, Sibyls' features a haunting installation with a wax figure of Goldin lying in a bed, surrounded by a corkboard of family photos. Above, three large screens play an audiovisual meditation on grief and memory. Across the city at the Grand Palais, 'The Ballad of Sexual Dependency' presents fifty years of Goldin's intimate portraits, capturing the joy, tenderness, and struggles of her friends and lovers. The exhibition immerses visitors in Goldin's world, making them feel like they are part of the lives depicted.

• The exhibition opened on March 15, 2026 at the Chapelle Saint-Louis de la Salpêtrière.
• The Grand Palais portion of the retrospective opened on March 20, 2026.

What’s next

The exhibition at the Chapelle Saint-Louis de la Salpêtrière and Grand Palais is scheduled to run until June 30, 2026, offering visitors a chance to experience Nan Goldin's powerful and deeply personal retrospective.