Gilden spent his time in Syracuse shooting at the sorts of mass gatherings he had been focusing on at the time – state fairs, fetes, picnics and parties – as well as working his way into the homes of the city’s blue-collar residents. He also photographed the local assisted living communities, impressed by what he saw as the distinctly open-minded attitudes toward them, evident in the local population.
Quote from Magnum’s website.
Bruce Gilden is a renowned American street photographer. Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1946, Gilden developed an interest in photography from an early age. He studied sociology at Penn State University before deciding to become a professional photographer.
He is most notably recognized for his work in New York City, where he shot candid close-ups of people on the streets using a flash. This technique, sometimes seen as confrontational, has become Gilden’s signature style and helped him stand out in the field of street photography. His subjects are often those typically marginalized or overlooked, and he is appreciated for giving these individuals visibility in his work.
Gilden’s photography has appeared in numerous publications, galleries, and museums across the globe. He became an associate member of the prestigious Magnum Photos agency in 1998 and a full member in 2002.
In addition to his still photography, Gilden has also directed several short documentaries and published numerous books showcasing his work, including “Facing New York” and “Coney Island.” His work has won him several awards including the European Publishers Award for Photography, and he received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2013.
Personal Connection to his subjects has been a constant approach in his work, saying in one of his interviews: “I’m known for taking pictures very close, and the older I get, the closer I get”.
It’s important to note that though Gilden’s work is celebrated, it has also ignited debates about ethics in street photography due to its raw, and sometimes intrusive nature.