Summary of "Garry Winogrand at Rice University"
In the video "Garry Winogrand at Rice University," Garry Winogrand discusses various aspects of Photography, focusing on the works of notable photographers such as Walker Evans and Robert Frank. He reflects on the nature of photographic art, the importance of transparency in Photography, and the subjective experience of creating and interpreting images.
Artistic Techniques and Concepts:
- Transparency in Photography: Winogrand emphasizes the value of being transparent in one's photographic work, aiming for an absence of overt strategy.
- Learning from Work: He believes that photographers learn primarily from their own work rather than from formal teaching.
- Self-Critique: Winogrand stresses the importance of being one's own toughest critic to grow as an artist.
- Subject Matter and Dramatic Quality: He discusses the challenge of making photographs that are more dramatic or interesting than the subjects themselves.
- Specificity vs. Ambiguity: Winogrand contrasts the specificity of photographs with their ability to evoke questions about preconceptions.
- Camera Operation: He mentions the simplicity of photographic technique, noting that even errors can lead to printable negatives.
Key Points:
- Winogrand reflects on his experiences with the works of Evans and Frank, noting how they impacted his understanding of Photography.
- He discusses the differences in urban environments, particularly contrasting Los Angeles with cities like New York and Chicago.
- The selection and editing of photographs are addressed, with Winogrand asserting his confidence in his editing abilities despite criticism.
Steps and Advice:
- Focus on being transparent in your photographic approach.
- Learn primarily through your own work rather than relying on teachers.
- Develop a habit of self-critique to enhance your skills.
- Challenge yourself to create photographs that exceed the inherent drama of the subject matter.
- Embrace the simplicity of photographic techniques; mistakes can still yield valuable results.
Contributors:
- Garry Winogrand
- Jerry Winter (mentioned as a friend and contributor to the discussion)
- Todd Edis (guest curator referenced in the context of a photographic show)
- Tom Consilvio (mentioned in relation to printing work)
Category
Art and Creativity
