Diane Arbus

Diane Arbus
Originally uploaded by realnyc.

Model taught Arbus to be specific, that close scrutiny of reality produces something fantastic. An early project Arbus undertook involved photographing what she referred to as "freaks." She responded to them with a mixture of shame
and awe.
She always identified with her subjects in a personal way. Model once referred to Arbus' "specific subject
matter" as "freaks, homosexuals, lesbians, cripples, sick people, dying people, dead people." Instead of looking away, as most people would do.

This image, of a disabled boy holding a grenade in central park, is a perfect example of the explosiveness of her subject matter.