Garry Winogrand, American photographer (b. 1928)

Garry Winogrand (January 14, 1928 – March 19, 1984) stands as a monumental figure in American photography, renowned for his captivating street photography that captured the essence of U.S. life and its complex social issues during the mid-20th century. He wasn't just a photographer; he was a chronicler of his era, whose spontaneous, often raw, images offered an unfiltered look at the world around him. Photography curator, historian, and critic John Szarkowski, a highly influential voice in the art world, didn't hesitate to label Winogrand the central photographer of his generation, a testament to his profound impact and innovative approach.

A Visionary Eye: Winogrand's Photographic Style and Impact

Winogrand's work is synonymous with an energetic, "in-your-face" style that truly redefined street photography. As critic Sean O'Hagan aptly noted in 2014, Winogrand, particularly in the 1960s and 70s, established street photography as both an attitude and a distinct visual style, casting a long shadow over subsequent practitioners. O'Hagan further emphasized in 2010 that while Winogrand photographed extensively, he was fundamentally a "New York photographer: frenetic, in-your-face, arty despite himself." His images of New York in the 1960s, as Phil Coomes wrote for BBC News in 2013, serve as "a photographic lesson in every frame" for anyone interested in the genre. Winogrand possessed an uncanny ability to capture fleeting moments, transforming everyday scenes into profound visual statements that spoke volumes about American society.

Accolades, Exhibitions, and Professional Life

Winogrand's significant contributions to photography were widely recognized during his lifetime. He was the recipient of three prestigious Guggenheim Fellowships, enabling him to pursue various personal projects that enriched his body of work. Additionally, he received a fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts, further solidifying his standing in the artistic community. His photographs garnered attention in leading photography magazines of the time, including *Popular Photography*, *Eros*, *Contemporary Photographer*, and *Photography Annual*. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, a beacon of modern art, featured Winogrand prominently. He was one of only three photographers showcased in the highly influential "New Documents" exhibition in 1967, which helped to define a new era of documentary photography. MoMA also honored him with solo exhibitions in 1969, 1977, and a posthumous one in 1988, underscoring the enduring significance of his oeuvre. To support his artistic endeavors, Winogrand worked as a freelance photojournalist and advertising photographer throughout the 1950s and 1960s, applying his unique vision to commercial assignments. Later, in the 1970s, he shared his expertise and passion by teaching photography, influencing a new generation of artists.

Published Works and Enduring Legacy

During his lifetime, Garry Winogrand published four significant monographs, each offering a distinct perspective on his photographic interests:

Upon his untimely death at the age of 56, Winogrand left behind an astonishingly vast and largely unexamined archive of work. This included approximately 2,500 rolls of undeveloped film, 6,500 rolls of developed but unproofed exposures, and an additional 3,000 rolls for which only contact sheets had been made. This monumental cache of late work continues to be a subject of study and discovery, ensuring that Garry Winogrand's legacy as a prolific and profound observer of American life remains vibrant and influential for generations to come.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Garry Winogrand

Who was Garry Winogrand?
Garry Winogrand (1928-1984) was a highly influential American street photographer known for his dynamic portrayal of U.S. life and social issues in the mid-20th century. He is often considered a central figure in defining modern street photography.
What is Garry Winogrand famous for?
Winogrand is most famous for his candid and often "frenetic" street photographs, particularly of New York City in the 1960s and 70s. His work captured everyday life with an unfiltered intensity, revealing the complexities of American society.
What were some of Garry Winogrand's notable achievements?
He received three Guggenheim Fellowships and a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. He was featured in the groundbreaking "New Documents" exhibition at MoMA in 1967 and had multiple solo exhibitions there. Critics like John Szarkowski and Sean O'Hagan lauded him for defining street photography.
What books did Garry Winogrand publish during his lifetime?
Winogrand published four monographs: The Animals (1969), Women are Beautiful (1975), Public Relations (1977), and Stock Photographs: The Fort Worth Fat Stock Show and Rodeo (1980).
How did Garry Winogrand support himself?
He worked as a freelance photojournalist and advertising photographer in the 1950s and 60s, and later taught photography during the 1970s.
What was Garry Winogrand's legacy after his death?
He left behind an enormous archive of undeveloped and unproofed film, an unprecedented body of work that continues to be a subject of extensive study and exhibition, further cementing his place as a giant in photography.