Since the early 1970s Phil Bergerson has used photography to explore a wide range of subject matter, ideas and techniques. His work is, for the most part, highly formal; Bergerson carefully constructs his views, seeking balance and harmony within the frame in order to convey a dense and visually rich depiction of the world. In many cases, he seeks out the strange juxtapositions of objects that occur daily, such as those seen in window displays. Very much in the spirit of Lee Friedlander, Bergerson focuses on the found elements in society which, through considered framing, operate as both documents and abstract images. Through the selective process of framing, Bergerson creates a highly detailed and complex image to reveal a variety of social and cultural issues. As the artist has stated, his photographs are "about signs, signs that people consciously and unconsciously leave behind which speak to us both literally and figuratively about our culture."
