I decided to read of Andy Grundberg was titled Review/Photography; In Winokur's Portraits, You Are What You Own. First off, I like the name of the title—it is kind of a play off of words “you are what you eat”. Basically, as the title shows, Grundberg delved into the meaning of Neil Winokur's photographs with items in the background. He notes that Winokur made a lot of gestures toward materialism, and possessiveness. I think that this is a logical analysis of Grundberg to make. I find it interesting that photographers think so far into their photos while taking them. I also find it interesting that critics are so quick to assume that everything in a photograph has a purpose. Perhaps because I am only a rookie at this, but sometimes I wonder if a photographer always chose what they include in the picture for certain reasons. For example, perhaps the objects in the photos just happened to be there and look nice. Grundberg surely has an eye for photography and a creative way of analyzing every little aspect of the photographer’s work.
With that said, I do like what Grundberg is saying about the photos. He describes Winokur’s pictures by saying “objects are in no way didactic or hectoring; if anything, they are imbued with a sense of playfulness that approaches the condition of camouflage.” The idea of camouflaging these objects, in a playful manner is an exciting and motivating belief.
