Uploaded February 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago

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"I want to expand what's happening in photography"—Ken Ohara

In 1974, the New York photographer began an unusual experiment: mailing his camera to a random stranger chosen from the phone book (remember those?). The camera came with simple instructions: photograph yourself, your family, and friends, then send the camera back with the name of another person for it to visit next. Over two years, the camera passed through 150 people in 36 states from Hawai'i to the Bronx.

The project became a shared portrait of the country, showing its size, diversity, and everyday life through many different perspectives rather than just Ohara's point of view.

Ken Ohara: CONTACTS curator Eli Harrison joined us for an unboxing video of the camera that Ohara used for this project, and related ephemera. The exhibition is on view through Feburary 8th. Learn more about the exhibition here: whitney.org/exhibitions/ken-ohara

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