Garry Winogrand, American photographer and author (d. 1984)
Garry Winogrand (January 14, 1928 – March 19, 1984) stands as one of the most pivotal and prolific figures in American street photography. Renowned for his candid, dynamic, and often unflinching portrayal of U.S. life and its burgeoning social complexities during the mid-20th century, Winogrand fundamentally redefined the genre. His work captured the vibrant, often chaotic, and endlessly fascinating tapestry of public spaces, particularly the streets of New York City.
His profound impact was notably recognized by John Szarkowski, the highly influential Director of Photography at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) from 1962 to 1991, who acclaimed Winogrand as "the central photographer of his generation." This endorsement underscored Winogrand’s significance within the evolving landscape of modern photography.
Recognition and Exhibitions
Winogrand’s artistic endeavors were supported by substantial recognition, including three prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships, which provided him the freedom to pursue significant personal projects without commercial constraints. He also received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, further cementing his status within the American artistic community.
A landmark moment in his career and for the history of photography was his inclusion in the influential "New Documents" exhibition at MoMA in New York in 1967. This seminal exhibition, alongside works by Diane Arbus and Lee Friedlander, introduced a fresh, more subjective, and personal approach to documentary photography, moving beyond traditional photojournalistic objectivity. Winogrand’s profound connection with MoMA continued with significant solo exhibitions in 1969, 1977, and a posthumous retrospective in 1988, which further solidified his legacy.
Professional Journey and Published Works
To sustain his prolific artistic practice, Winogrand worked as a freelance photojournalist and advertising photographer throughout the 1950s and 1960s, a period that allowed him to hone his sharp observational skills in diverse settings. In the 1970s, he transitioned to teaching photography, sharing his unique vision and approach with a new generation of artists. His photographs frequently graced the pages of prominent photography magazines of the era, including Popular Photography, Eros, Contemporary Photographer, and Photography Annual, exposing his work to a broad audience.
During his lifetime, Winogrand published four significant photographic monographs, each offering a distinct window into his thematic interests:
The Animals (1969): This work explores the lives of animals in zoos, often presenting them in a manner that subtly comments on human behavior or the strangeness of captivity.
Women are Beautiful (1975): A collection that candidly captures women in public spaces, challenging conventional notions of beauty and portrayal through a spontaneous, unposed lens. While celebrated by many for its directness, it also sparked debate regarding its gaze and interpretation.
Public Relations (1977): This book delves into public events, press conferences, and mediated realities, examining how images are constructed and consumed in the sphere of public relations.
Stock Photographs: The Fort Worth Fat Stock Show and Rodeo (1980): A deep dive into a quintessential American cultural event, capturing the raw energy, characters, and atmosphere of the rodeo.
The Enduring Legacy of an Unrelenting Vision
Critics consistently laud Winogrand's unparalleled contribution to street photography. Sean O'Hagan noted in 2014 that in "the 1960s and 70s, he defined street photography as an attitude as well as a style – and it has laboured in his shadow ever since, so definitive are his photographs of New York." O'Hagan further emphasized in 2010 that despite photographing elsewhere, "Winogrand was essentially a New York photographer: frenetic, in-your-face, arty despite himself." His New York images are characterized by a dynamic tension, unconventional framing, and an immediate, visceral quality that perfectly encapsulates the city's pulse.
Phil Coomes, writing for BBC News in 2013, aptly summarized his influence: "For those of us interested in street photography there are a few names that stand out and one of those is Garry Winogrand, whose pictures of New York in the 1960s are a photographic lesson in every frame." His photographs teach not just composition, but a way of seeing – capturing decisive moments within the everyday flow of life, often with a sense of irony or profound observation.
Remarkably, at the time of his premature death, Winogrand left behind an immense, largely unexplored archive. This posthumous discovery included approximately 2,500 rolls of undeveloped film, 6,500 rolls of developed but unproofed exposures, and about 3,000 rolls for which only contact sheets had been made. This staggering volume of unseen work, comprising over 250,000 images, continues to be a subject of ongoing study and exhibition, further revealing the sheer breadth and depth of his unrelenting visual inquiry and ensuring his lasting influence on the photographic world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garry Winogrand
- Who was Garry Winogrand?
- Garry Winogrand (1928-1984) was a highly influential American street photographer celebrated for his candid depictions of U.S. life and social issues, particularly in New York City, during the mid-20th century. He is considered a seminal figure in the history of photography, redefining the genre of street photography.
- What is street photography, and how did Winogrand contribute to it?
- Street photography is a genre that features candid subjects in public places, capturing spontaneous moments and everyday life. Winogrand significantly contributed by emphasizing an "attitude" as much as a "style," characterized by frenetic energy, unconventional framing, and a direct, "in-your-face" approach, often exploring the ironies and complexities of modern urban existence.
- What was the significance of the "New Documents" exhibition?
- The 1967 "New Documents" exhibition at MoMA, featuring Winogrand alongside Diane Arbus and Lee Friedlander, was a pivotal event that redefined documentary photography. It showcased a new, more personal and subjective approach, moving away from traditional objective photojournalism and cementing a modern sensibility in the field.
- Did Garry Winogrand publish any books during his lifetime?
- Yes, Garry Winogrand published four important photographic monographs: The Animals (1969), Women are Beautiful (1975), Public Relations (1977), and Stock Photographs: The Fort Worth Fat Stock Show and Rodeo (1980).
- What happened to Garry Winogrand's unpublished work after his death?
- Upon his death, Garry Winogrand left an astonishing amount of undeveloped and unproofed film. This vast archive, estimated to contain over 250,000 images, has been a significant subject of posthumous study and exhibitions, providing continued insights into his prolific output and artistic vision.