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Issue: Summer 2008
Spotlight on the End of a Photographic Era

Written by Brandon Donahue

Everybody has one. A memory treasured away, preserved in a Polaroid. This year, the company is saying goodbye to the white-border pictures we’ve all held in our hands and watched develop before our eyes.

Since 1947 the Polaroid has been an icon in photography, and watching the saturated greens and blues appear inspired sixty-one years of photographers. The popularity of digital photography has seemingly stolen the charm of Polaroid’s “instant magic,” but all it takes to rekindle the inspiration is to hold one in your hand, and the moment comes flooding back.

Polaroid’s uncanny ability to turn random objects and perspectives into art has inspired the next call for entries. Open Shutter Gallery will be hosting a Polaroid Retrospective, August 22–September 5. The exhibit will also present work by Photographer, Mike Slack. An opening reception will be held Friday, August 22, 5–8 p.m.

Guidelines for entries are listed in our Resources section, page 32, and also available after June 26 at Open Shutter Gallery, 735 Main Avenue, Durango, or email: director@artsperspective.com.
Each Polaroid is a one-of-a-kind work of art. We hope you’ll share yours and its story with us.

top: “Untitled” Polaroid by Mike Slack • http://www.mike-slack.com

middle: “Houston Roses” Polaroid image transfer by Ginny Getts

bottom: “Accelerated Refinement” Polaroid by Brandon Donahue

Author's Email: growingupslowly@gmail.com