2026 marks 40 years since the publication of The ballad of sexual dependency, one of the most influential photographic series of the late twentieth century by American artist Nan Goldin. Widely regarded as Goldin’s magnum opus, the series comprises 126 photographs drawn from the National Gallery of Australia’s collection and is presented for the first time in Adelaide at Flinders University Museum of Art (FUMA).

In this episode, Anne O’Hehir, National Gallery Curator, Photography, joins Dr Belinda Howden, Senior Curator at FUMA, for an in-depth conversation exploring Nan Goldin’s life, legacy, art and activism, and the enduring cultural impact of The ballad. 

Content warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual content, drug use, suicide, and the impacts of violence against women. Listener discretion is advised, particularly for audiences under 15 years of age.

You can find a full transcript of the episode here.

Nan Goldin: The ballad of sexual dependency is on display at FUMA from 16 February – 10 April 2026. The exhibition is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition, presented as part of the Bowness Family Foundation Photography Touring Program.

 

Episode produced by Solstice Podcasting.

© Flinders University Museum of Art

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