Erik Kvarnberg‘60 seconds’ focuses on instant images from abstract to documentary.
Ellen Carey’s use of rollers reveals a stunning texture and set of colors between the film’s positive and negative sheets. (Photo: Courtesy of Ellen Carey and the Norton Museum of Art)
Since 1947, Polaroid has been known for its instant film cameras that capture memories and become keepsakes.
Artists, even those who are known for their extensive creative processes, also turn to instant film to capture inspiration without darkrooms and hours of specialized, inconsistent film developing. Andy Warhol helped bring this practice to the mainstream art world, with nearly 40,000 Polaroid photos capturing his vision.
Norton Museum of Art Curator of Photography Lauren Richman gathered instant film photos from the museum’s collection to illustrate how artists have ventured into every corner of the medium.
Her show, “60 Seconds from the Polaroid Collection,” features examples of the 20-inch by 24-inch Polaroid process from a camera invented to impress Polaroid shareholders. In the 50 years since this specialized camera was invented, only six were produced.
Artists including photographer Ellen Carey used this rare camera to produce abstract images, manipulating the photographic emulsion to create such pieces as “Multichrome Monochrome.” This piece, featured in the exhibit, produces a blend of colors seen only by manipulating the medium.
“What interests me about Polaroids is that everyone can sort of relate to them,” Richman said. “There’s something totally magical about shooting something, have it come out immediately and develop right before your eyes in clean light.”
This immediate analog process can lend authenticity to typically unbelievable photographs. Four photographs from Trevor Paglen showcase what he says are unidentified flying objects spotted outside military test sites in California and Utah.
Paglen uses the analog process of Polaroid to support the existence of these UFOs, typically a subject of conspiracy theories. His process is unknown, along with the exact location and date that these photographs were taken, adding mystery to the subject.
Photographs on display from Warhol feature “Baby Jane” Holzer, one of the first “Warhol superstars.” She became one of Warhol’s muses, a frequent subject of his ongoing documentation of his daily activities and the people around him. Holzer, a Norton trustee, recently awarded $1,000 to all 66 students who participated in the museum’s art contest.
These photos, while seemingly unassuming shots of barns, horses and people, capture an intimate perspective on both Warhol’s history and Holzer’s.
“60 Seconds: Polaroids from the Collection” runs through Aug. 16.
The Norton’s other ongoing exhibits include:
“Artists at Work” through June 21.
“That’s Entertainment: Japanese Woodblock Prints and the Art of Leisure” through July 5.
Student Exhibition: “Portrait Mode: Self-Reflections from Past, Present, and Future” through Aug. 16.
“Recognition of Art by Women: In Retrospect” through Sept. 27.
“Danielle McKinney: Shelter” through Oct. 4.
The Norton is open daily, except Tuesday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Tickets are $18, with discounts for seniors and students. Members, children under 12, active military, veterans and Florida teachers receive free admission. West Palm Beach residents can visit for free on Saturdays.
