Diane Arbus' Intimate Portraits Reveal the Humanity in Society's Margins

A new exhibition at San Francisco's Fraenkel Gallery showcases the photographer's ability to connect with her subjects and capture their authentic selves.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 11:04pm by Ben Kaplan

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An abstract close-up photograph of luxurious, high-contrast textures like shimmering sequins and plush velvet, conceptually representing the glamour and artifice explored in Diane Arbus' photographic work.Diane Arbus' intimate portraits reveal the humanity behind the constructed personas of her subjects, from carnival performers to Hollywood stars.San Francisco Today

A new exhibition at San Francisco's Fraenkel Gallery, 'Diane Arbus: Sanctum Sanctorum,' highlights the photographer's acclaimed work capturing people on society's margins, from carnival performers to gender non-conforming individuals. The show reveals Arbus' ability to build trust with her subjects and reveal their authentic humanity, rather than objectifying them.

Why it matters

Arbus' photographs challenged the norms of who was considered an acceptable subject for portraiture, expanding the medium to include those often marginalized. Her empathetic approach influenced how photographers work with their subjects, moving away from voyeurism and towards humanization.

The details

The exhibition features iconic Arbus images like 'Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey' (1967) and lesser-known works that provide intimate glimpses into her subjects' private worlds. Photos such as 'A woman with her baby monkey, N.J.' (1971) and 'The Backwards Man in his hotel room, N.Y.C.' (1961) capture the tenderness and comfort her subjects felt in their own environments.

  • The 'Diane Arbus: Sanctum Sanctorum' exhibition is on view at Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco from March 13 to May 22, 2026.
  • Arbus created the photographs featured in the show between 1961 and 1971, before her death at the age of 48 in 1971.

The players

Diane Arbus

An acclaimed American photographer known for her intimate portraits of people on society's margins, including carnival performers, strippers, gender non-conforming individuals, and those with developmental disabilities or physical differences.

Jeffrey Fraenkel

The gallerist who organized the 'Diane Arbus: Sanctum Sanctorum' exhibition at Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco.

Stanley Kubrick

The acclaimed film director who was inspired by Arbus' 'Identical Twins, Roselle, New Jersey' (1967) photograph for the haunting Grady sisters in his 1980 film 'The Shining'.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Do you remember your first Diane Arbus photograph?”

— Jeffrey Fraenkel, Gallerist

“I've never agreed with critics who see her work as voyeuristic or exploitative. In all her portraits, you get a sense that Arbus truly connected with her subjects in a way that compelled them to invite her into their private worlds. There's an understanding in Arbus' gaze and in her interest in her subjects.”

— Tony Bravo, Author

What’s next

The 'Diane Arbus: Sanctum Sanctorum' exhibition at Fraenkel Gallery will be on view through May 22, 2026, providing an opportunity for Bay Area residents and visitors to experience Arbus' influential and empathetic photographic work.

The takeaway

Diane Arbus' photographs challenged the norms of portraiture by expanding the medium to include marginalized individuals and communities. Her ability to build trust and intimacy with her subjects resulted in images that reveal the shared humanity in all people, regardless of their outward appearance or social status.