Garry Winogrand

Garry Winogrand was born on January 14, 1928, in the Bronx, New York City. He grew up in a working-class Jewish family and his father was a leather worker. Winogrand displayed an early interest in art and photography, which he would pursue throughout his life. His upbringing in New York City, with its energetic and diverse street life, deeply influenced his photographic style.

In 1955, Garry Winogrand began his career as a freelance photojournalist. He worked for major publications such as 'Collier's', 'Sports Illustrated', 'Time', and 'Life'. During this time, he honed his street photography skills, capturing candid moments on the streets of New York City. His unique ability to freeze vivid, often chaotic, scenes of everyday life set him apart from his contemporaries.

In 1963, Garry Winogrand's work was included in the 'The Photographer's Eye' exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. This exhibition played an important role in solidifying Winogrand's reputation as a prominent street photographer. His ability to capture the rawness of American life and its transitions during the post-war era was highly acclaimed.

In 1972, Garry Winogrand published 'The Animals', a collection of photographs taken at the Central Park Zoo and the Coney Island Aquarium. The book captures not only the animals in captivity but also the human spectators, revealing Winogrand's interest in the relationship between humans and their environments. The collection is considered one of his most humorous works, highlighting his unique perspective on human nature.

The 'Women Are Beautiful' exhibition and accompanying book published in 1975 showcased Garry Winogrand's photographs of women in public spaces across America. The work celebrated the diversity and vibrancy of women in everyday life and sparked discussions about gender and representation in photography. Though controversial, it was a significant body of work that illustrated Winogrand's eye for capturing spontaneous moments.

Garry Winogrand passed away on March 19, 1984, in Tijuana, Mexico, from gallbladder cancer. His death marked the loss of one of the most influential street photographers of the 20th century. Left behind was a vast archive of unprocessed film, representing his continued dedication to capturing life up until his final days. He was 56 years old at the time of his death.

In 1988, four years after his death, a major retrospective exhibition titled 'Winogrand, Figments from the Real World' was held at the Museum of Modern Art. This exhibition featured over 200 of Winogrand's photographs, providing a comprehensive look at his impact on the field of photography. It highlighted his unyielding curiosity and ability to depict the complex social landscape of America.

In March 2013, a comprehensive retrospective of Garry Winogrand's work opened at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. The exhibition featured over 300 photographs, including many that were never seen before in public. This retrospective aimed to explore and re-evaluate Winogrand's contribution to photography, further cementing his legacy as one of the leading figures in American street photography.

The documentary film 'Garry Winogrand: All Things Are Photographable' premiered in 2014, providing an in-depth look into the life and work of Winogrand. The film featured interviews with peers, critics, and family, as well as showcasing his seminal photographs. It explored his unending quest to capture the essence of American life and his significant impact on modern photography.

In April 2019, the Brooklyn Museum presented 'The Street Philosophy of Garry Winogrand', an exhibition that showcased a compelling selection of Winogrand's photographs. The exhibition, curated with the intention of delving into his philosophical approach to street photography, offered visitors an in-depth insight into his view of urban life and his ability to find the extraordinary in the mundane.