Public Relations
photographs by Garry Winogrand
text by Tod Papageorge
The Museum of Modern Art, 1977, 112 pages
ISBN 0-87070-543-1

From 1969 to 1973 Garry Winogrand worked on a project to explore the effects of media on events. The central idea here was that public events were increasingly being held not for the benefit of the participants but rather for the benefit of the media that would be covering those events. This work was supported by a Guggenheim Fellowship.

During these years Winogrand photographed events such as rallies, demonstrations, dinners, award ceremonies, and press conferences. At first glance these photos appear to be "just" snapshots, but a closer look often reveals an astonishing level of composition and fascinating detail. His skill in framing – and timing – these photos is incredible.

The photos are black & white, and are printed one to a page in a large size, making them easy to view and study.

Short captions identify each event and the year in which it occurred. The only other text is an 11 page Introduction discussing Winogrand's life and work. This Introduction also includes several smaller photos taken at other stages of Winogrand's career.

Recommended.