BREAKERS

This project began by accident. I was on my way to work at a photographer's studio on Haight Street in San Francisco when I was told to hold off arriving. To pass some time, I went for a walk in Golden Gate park (the nexus of 1960's counter culture). I happened upon the end of a foot race known as Bay to Breakers. It was followed by a debaucherous parade of costumed drunkenness. I was struck by the contrasting public displays of beauty and tragedy. Before the morning fog had burnt off, young drunk people were strewn across the park, passed out as if weightless and falling through the air. I was moved by the perilous tranquility and openness of their public repose. I snapped a few photographs and then left for work. I initially lost the roll of film but it turned up a few months later. I returned to photograph the annual ritual for the following four years.