SANTA BARBARA, CA.- The University Art at the University of California at Santa Barbara presents Women Are Beautiful: A Photographic Portfolio by Garry Winogrand, through May 1, 2005. The complete series of black-and-white, silver gelatin prints first published in 1975 by Garry Winogrand, one of the preeminent street photographers of his generation.

Born in New York City, Winogrand (1928-1984) studied painting at City College of New York, photography at Columbia University, and photojournalism at the New School for Social Research in New York City. He was a freelance photojournalist and advertising photographer from 1952-1969, and his acclaimed documentary photographs appeared in magazines such as "Sports Illustrated," "Fortune," and "Life."

Winogrand was an important chronicler of American life. He photographed the streets and nearby environs of New York City extensively with a loose, spontaneous “shoot from the hip” style that captured honest portrayals of everyday individuals. His anonymous subjects -- on the street, by the water, at a party -- are captured in unguarded moments in uniquely juxtaposed environments and backgrounds that add tension and definition to them.

Winogrand's series, "Women are Beautiful," captured on film a vast inventory of women: hippies, mothers, socialites, working women. It is an unabashed look at powerful, mysterious, and radiant women in the diverse expressions of their lives. Winogrand said, “I don't know if all the women in the photographs are beautiful, but I do know the women are beautiful in the photographs.”

"Women are Beautiful" is an essential series for those wishing to fully appreciate Winogrand's work. His collection of ordinary, yet significant moments constitutes a unique view of the world. Winogrand's prolific career was cut short when cancer ended his life at the age of 56; nonetheless, he created a revolution in photography that is still not fully appreciated.

Garry Winogrand's portfolio "Women Are Beautiful" is a gift of Vivian and Justin Ebersman to the permanent collection of the University Art Museum.