Nan Goldin in Berlin: "This Will Not End Well" – A Retrospective Journey - November 23, 2024 – April 6, 2025
From November 23, 2024, to April 6, 2025, Berlin's New National Gallery will host "This Will Not End Well", a transformative retrospective of Nan Goldin’s groundbreaking work. This immersive exhibition presents a deep dive into the artist's exploration of intimacy, societal struggles, and human vulnerability. Featuring innovative pavilion designs, the exhibition offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the world of one of the most influential contemporary artists.
Nan Goldin: The Art of Unfiltered Humanity
Nan Goldin’s work has always been a powerful commentary on the complexities of life. Her photography, often raw and deeply personal, intertwines themes of love, addiction, identity, and social justice. She challenges societal norms, using her kind to highlight the struggles of marginalized communities and provoke meaningful discussions about pressing issues.
Throughout her career, Goldin has pushed the boundaries of art as a medium for storytelling. From her candid depictions of close relationships to her activism against the opioid crisis, her art bridges the gap between the personal and the political. Her work invites viewers to confront uncomfortable truths, evoking both empathy and introspection.
The Exhibition Design: An Artistic Village
The New National Gallery has transformed its upper hall into a village of art, with pavilions meticulously crafted by architect Hala Wardé. Each pavilion showcases a different aspect of Goldin’s artistic journey, offering an intimate setting to engage with her work.
Key Works on Display
1. "The Ballad of Sexual Dependency"
This seminal slideshow, created between 1981 and 2022, is a poignant portrayal of the lives of Goldin’s friends in cities like New York, Berlin, and London. The intimate photographs capture moments of love, friendship, and hardship, highlighting the beauty and fragility of human connections.
2. "The Other Side"
A moving tribute to the trans community, this series spans several decades and celebrates the strength and resilience of individuals navigating identity and societal norms.
3. "Memory Lost"
This emotionally charged piece delves into the darkness of addiction, weaving a narrative of loss, recovery, and the haunting memories left in its wake.
4. "Sisters, Saints, and Sibyls"
Addressing familial trauma, this series explores themes of loss and grief, offering a deeply personal perspective on the artist's own experiences.
5. "Sirens"
A more experimental work, this piece examines the ecstatic yet destructive aspects of addiction, juxtaposing beauty and chaos in a visceral way.
Goldin's Relationship with Berlin
Goldin’s connection to Berlin runs deep. In 1986, her iconic slideshow, The Ballad of Sexual Dependency, was first showcased in Berlin’s Kino Arsenal. Later, in 1991, she moved to the city with a DAAD scholarship, calling Berlin her home for several years. Reflecting on her time in the city, Goldin once remarked, “The best years of my life were in Berlin.” Her return to Berlin with This Will Not End Well marks not only a major artistic event but also a deeply personal homecoming.
Activism Through Art
Beyond her artistic achievements, Goldin has made significant strides as an activist. Her founding of P.A.I.N. (Prescription Addiction Intervention Now) has drawn attention to the Sackler family’s role in the opioid crisis. Her activism has led to major museums, including the Met in New York, removing the Sackler name from their institutions. This dual role as artist and activist further underscores the depth and relevance of her work.
Why You Should Visit This Exhibition
This Will Not End Well isn’t just an exhibition; it’s a profound exploration of the human experience. From its innovative design to the emotionally resonant themes, the retrospective offers a rare opportunity to engage with art that challenges, inspires, and moves.
Conclusion: Art That Resonates
Nan Goldin’s This Will Not End Well is more than an exhibition—it’s an invitation to reflect on life’s complexities through the lens of one of the most influential artists of our time. Don’t miss this chance to immerse yourself in her world and discover the power of art to challenge, heal, and transform.
Address, Opening Hours …
What: This Will Not End Well—A Nan Goldin Retrospective
Where: New National Gallery , Potsdamer Str. 50, 10785 Berlin
When: November 23, 2024 – April 6, 2025
Hours:
Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday: 10 AM–6 PM
Thursday: 10 AM–8 PM
Monday: Closed
Tickets: €12 (reduced €6)
