In 1954, Garry Winogrand, a twenty-six-year-old commercial photographer, was commissioned by Sports Illustrated to capture the story of a young boxer named Nick Biondi. What began as a professional assignment blossomed into a lasting friendship between the two men. Decades later, as SFMOMA and the National Gallery prepared a retrospective of Winogrand’s work, Biondi shared his unique perspective as one of Winogrand’s subjects in an interview with SFMOMA Assistant Curator of Photography, Erin O’Toole. This conversation, edited for clarity, offers an intimate glimpse into Winogrand’s process and personality.
The Boxer and the Photographer
Nick Biondi, born and raised in Manhattan, began his boxing journey at seventeen, quickly gaining attention for his first-round knockouts. It was during this period of success that Garry Winogrand entered his life, assigned to create a photographic study for Sports Illustrated. Winogrand documented Biondi’s life both in and out of the ring, attending his fights, visiting his high school, and even joining his family for dinner. Biondi recounts a memorable occasion where Winogrand photographed his family meal, with his father seemingly scolding him. Despite the unusual presence of a photographer, Biondi recalls feeling remarkably at ease, a testament to Winogrand’s ability to make his subjects comfortable.
Garry Winogrand, New York, 1954
“Self-consciousness didn’t exist for me then,” Biondi shared, “and looking at the photographs it doesn’t show itself in the pictures. I wasn’t aware of Garry the Photographer’s presence. He was like a ghost, and we simply went about our daily tasks.” This ability to capture candid moments, often without the subject’s awareness of his presence, was a hallmark of Winogrand’s talent.
Beyond the Ring: Winogrand’s Fascination with Everyday Life
Winogrand’s interest extended beyond Biondi’s boxing career. He was fascinated by Biondi’s social club, a space for teenagers to gather in Manhattan. Winogrand’s immersion into Biondi’s world, from the boxing gym to the social club, highlighted his deep engagement with his subjects. Biondi noted Winogrand’s particular affinity for Manhattan, even though he himself hailed from the Bronx, describing him as a “city hick” captivated by the urban landscape.
Biondi’s boxing career, though brief, was intensely documented by Winogrand. A victory party planned after a fight was altered when Biondi was unexpectedly knocked out in the fourth round. Although Sports Illustrated ultimately did not use the story, it was later published in Pageant magazine as a human-interest piece.
Garry Winogrand, New York, 1954; Courtesy Black Dog Collection
Winogrand’s photographic sessions with Biondi were diverse, including moments at his high school, casual runs in Central Park, and visits to the boxing gym. Biondi described Winogrand as a “Class A person” embodying “Character, Honesty, Honor, Integrity.” He felt Winogrand, like a gambler lost in their pursuit, found his greatest happiness in the act of photographing.
A Lasting Connection
The friendship between Biondi and Winogrand continued long after the Sports Illustrated assignment. Biondi even assisted Winogrand with occasional assignments for other magazines. He recalled a poignant conversation with Winogrand where, when asked about the most creative thing he had ever done, Winogrand replied, “Having children.” This response deeply resonated with Biondi, offering him a personal reflection on creativity and life.
Garry Winogrand, New York, 1954
Winogrand’s work, including the photographs of Nick Biondi, is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of his subjects and the vibrancy of American life in the mid-20th century. The retrospective exhibition at SFMOMA offered a valuable opportunity to revisit these powerful images and gain further insight into the artist’s profound connection with his world.
Erin O’Toole is assistant curator of photography at SFMOMA.
