Nan Goldin (b. 1953) is unquestionably one of the most influential photographers of the 20th century. 

Goldin was the first to use the "slide show" format in a high-art setting.
Beginning in the 1970s Goldin took candid shots of her lovers, friends and family and in the 1980s she documented her social circle, characters often living on the margins of society in New York City.

Goldin moved to Paris in 2000.  Around this time Goldin began to travel regularly and her images in the new millennium, while they continued to depict the lives of her friends and family, put more emphasis on the mood or aesthetic of a newly discovered city or landscape. For example,

This work shows Goldin’s long-time friend, Valerie, who appears in many of the artist’s photographs. The image, part of her “Valerie and Bruno” series from 2001, shows Valerie basking in the tropical waters of an Antilles island. Other shots from this series depict Valerie with Bruno in bed and the two with their child.

“Valerie Floating” is a superlative example of Godin’s photographic evolution in the 2000s. The violent tension and anxious undertones of her early works have been replaced with softer and more reflective shots.

Works of this later period, such as “Valerie Floating”, emanate quiet contemplation in daylight, while still retaining vestiges of Godin’s characteristic off-kilter framing and haze.

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"Valerie Floating in the Sea, Mayreau Island. 2001"

Oversized cibachrome print.

Signed, titled, numbered and dated by the artist verso

25.75"H 38.25"W (image) 

Framed with museum non-reflective plexiglass

Good condition. Detailed condition report by request