Photography as a therapy

I have lately been thinking about trying to become an art therapist. Thoughts are floating in my mind, and I have been recalling quite often Nan Goldin´s story.

(Nan Goldin interviewed by Adam Mazur and Paulina Skirgajllo-Krajewska)

Your approach towards photography is very personal. Is not it a kind of therapy?

Yes, photography saved my life. Every time I go through something scary, traumatic, I survive by taking pictures.

I was at Kiasma in Helsinki at an exhibition, almost one year ago. Since then I haven´t seen, hear or read anything moving inside me so much. Anything so inspiring. Anything so real. Nan Goldin is a Queen. A Queen of anti-prejudice, a Queen of braveness, a Queen living in a Boston of friends and transvestites. A Queen often making fun of manieristic photography ("If I want to take a picture, I take it no matter what"). I highly respect her. If you have the possibility, don´t miss her story.

In the image Nan Goldin, Self-portrait in hotel Baur au Lac, Zurich, 1998, Matthew Marks Gallery