The artwork titled “A young man in curlers at home on West 20th Street,” created by Diane Arbus in 1966 in the United States, is a photograph.
This poignant photograph captures a young man at home, adorned with curlers in his hair. He gazes directly into the camera with an expression that may be interpreted as a mix of defiance and vulnerability. His eyebrows are dramatically arched, and he holds a cigarette in his well-manicured fingers. The black and white medium accentuates the texture of his skin and the curlers, creating a stark contrast that underscores the intimate and raw nature of the scene. The frame closely centers on his face and hand, drawing the viewer’s attention to his expression and the unusual yet striking combination of traditional feminine and masculine elements. The setting within the confines of a home adds a personal and private dimension, inviting contemplation on themes of identity and societal norms.
