Born in Washington, D.C., Nan Goldin emerged as a significant voice in contemporary photography during the late 1970s and 1980s. She studied at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, where she began documenting the drag queen and LGBTQ+ communities that would become the primary subjects of her work. Her breakthrough came with the development of her signature slideshow format, which presented her photographs as a raw, immersive narrative of her social circle.

Goldin is best known for her use of vibrant color and unposed, candid compositions that capture the vulnerability and intensity of her subjects. Her work frequently explores themes of intimacy, addiction, and the passage of time, often focusing on the lives of those on the margins of society. Her practice is deeply rooted in the concept of the 'chosen family,' providing a visual history of communities often overlooked by mainstream culture.

In recent years, Goldin has gained significant recognition for her dual role as an artist and a prominent activist. Her work continues to be acquired by major international institutions, including the Stedelijk Museum, which has integrated her photography into its permanent collection presentations. Beyond her artistic output, she is widely recognized for founding the advocacy group P.A.I.N., which campaigns against the opioid epidemic.