Polaroids.
An Exploration of Devised Photography

Traditionally, photographic exhibitions present bodies of work as ‘complete’, and audience members experience this work passively, in a strictly observational role.

How might an online photographic exhibition, focusing on analogue processes, break down the traditional ‘static’ exhibition, and instead offer an active role to audiences to work collaboratively with the artist to transform the work over its duration?

‘Rana’s Travelling Polaroid’ (RTP) is a propositional and performative study, which challenges the pre-completed ‘static’ exhibition by investigating how artist and audience can work collaboratively to create an evolving series. This manifests through a polaroid camera and a digital guide containing creative prompts and doubling as an exhibitory platform. The artist initiates the making exploring the theme ‘Colours of Self’, then these materials are sent to participants. After image-making, the camera travels on while the resulting photos are sent back to the artist and updated in the guide, accessible via Google Drive, ready for the next collaborator. The polaroids are additionally uploaded to Instagram to be accessible for online audiences and potential collaborators. This effectively builds a digital exhibition in a constant state of change.

So far, the project is in full swing & the community response has been very encouraging. But don’t just take my word for it, access the body-of-work in progress below:

Project Progress & Update:

While the camera has been travelling around, I’ve been cooking up ideas to further expand this project. The next step is to send around a Super 8 camera loaded with film & have participants take snippets of footage & include this within the online exhibition space.

Currently due to the restrictions of Covid-19, this project has lived in the digitally. However, after obtaining sufficient Super 8 footage, I intend to physicalise this work & transform it into an interactive installation piece.

This would manifest through a space full of photo-making material, costumes and props from which to make from. The footage from the Super 8 would be projected onto multiple walls & either used as a backdrop or inspiration.

The guide would be made into a physical copy & the current polaroids would be stuck inside. It would then exist in the space to be looked through for unblocking creativity or just for enjoyment.

Participants would enter the space & make images with the Polaroid & Super 8 cameras & add to the exhibition, continuing in the spirit of an evolving body of work that is changed through participation .