Collection

The Permanent Collection

Our permanent collection includes more than 5,350 works, capturing over a century of artistic vitality in Provincetown and on the Outer Cape.

This database offers a window into that rich legacy and our ongoing efforts to showcase contemporary artists working here. More than 2,700 pieces in our collection lack digital images. Our efforts to digitize the rest of our collection are ongoing; to contribute to this critical project to digitize the PAAM collection, please contact James Robertson, Chief Development Officer, by email at jrobertson@paam.org or visit: paam.org/donate/

COLLECTION IN THE COMMUNITY

PAAM regularly loans work from its permanent collection to community organizations and businesses, expanding public access to and appreciation of these important works of art. Works from the collection can currently be seen at Seamen’s Bank (Provincetown, Truro, and Wellfleet locations), Seashore Point in Provincetown, La Tanzi, Spaulding & Landreth LLP offices in Provincetown and Orleans, and David Marshall Datz, PC office in Provincetown and Orleans. To discuss arranging an artwork loan for your business or organization, please contact PAAM Registrar Madeleine Larson (mlarson@paam.org).

Bea Putting on Her Makeup

Art

Woman holding up a mirror, lipstick in the other hand, applying makeup

Description

With a round, silver compact mirror, Bea, a light-skinned, brown-haired individual applies a coat of red lipstick. This instance in time captured by Nan Goldin, portrays a moment of vulnerability. The photograph captures a status between two beings, a transformative state. By applying her makeup, Bea expresses her identity. Oftentimes viewed as a mask forced upon women by society to meet beauty standards, makeup offers a means to authentic expression, especially to a member of Boston’s trans community during the 80s. Masks possess a duality that makeup particularly exemplifies. It is up to the wearer of the mask to cast that role. Will it impair one’s identity or enhance it? Nan Goldin was a first-hand witness to society's effect on individuals' expression or repression of sexual identity. Specifically, Goldin’s teenage sister committed suicide because of such circumstances. Goldin explains that she observed the mid-century perception that sexuality, and its expression, should be controlled in order to meld into the mold of societal expectations. Otherwise, one was perceived as a threat. Such standards, which were held at home, inspired Goldin to leave home by the age of thirteen in search of community. In contrast to the disheartening environment at home, Goldin found comfort and acceptance within the Boston trans community. Through her work, Goldin expressed her deep admiration for them. Goldin explained that these community members manifested their fantasies publicly. She used it as support to expose that, with a supportive community, both self and sexual expression are encouraged. Therefore, a welcoming community fosters authenticity.

Artist Information

Nan Goldin

Entry/Object ID

2255.Ph14

Artwork Details

Date made: 1973

Medium: Cibachrome color photograph

Dimensions (h x w): 20 in x 16 in

Inscription/Signature/Marks

Type: Signature, Date, Title

Location: Verso

Acquisition

Accession: 2255

Credit Line: Gift of Carlos Garcia-Velez and W. Kent Davis, 2014

Exhibitions

Photography from the Permanent Collection (2018)

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