John Glenn--Walter Cronkite, State Dinner for Apollo XI Astronauts, Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles Possibly 1969 - 1983

Garry Winogrand captured this black and white photograph, titled *John Glenn—Walter Cronkite, State Dinner for Apollo XI Astronauts, Century Plaza Hotel, Los Angeles,* at an event celebrating the Apollo XI astronauts. The photograph is a snapshot of a specific historical moment, reflecting American pride and technological advancement during the Space Race. Yet, it also subtly speaks to issues of representation and access. Notice the homogenous gathering, predominantly consisting of white men in positions of power. Winogrand, known for his street photography, here turns his lens on the elite, offering a glimpse into a world far removed from the experiences of many Americans. The composition, with figures blurred or partially obscured, suggests a sense of frenetic energy and perhaps the elusiveness of truly capturing such a grand event. In its own way, the photograph hints at the complexities and exclusions that underpinned even the most celebrated moments in American history.