Indianapolis Museum of Art Blog » Polaroid http://www.imamuseum.org/blog The IMA blog is a space to discuss everything related to the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 The Return of Polaroid http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2009/09/10/the-return-of-polaroid/ http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2009/09/10/the-return-of-polaroid/#comments Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:00:00 +0000 Kate http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/?p=7555 Hey, remember this post? It wasn’t too long ago that we heard the news that Polaroid was stopping production of its iconic instant film. Well, guess what? It’s back!

image from Flickr user *Flor

image from Flickr user * f l o r

With the help of Urban Outfitters and The Impossible Project,  Polaroid film will be back in production in 2010. When Polaroid stopped manufacturing instant film in 2008, The Impossible Project bought all the equipment and machinery. This year, Urban Outfitters will release 700 limited edition sets of Polaroid cameras and one pack of Polaroid film. Eventually, they’ll  sell film packs too.

Something interesting I noticed on the Impossible Project’s site was their mission statement:

The Impossible mission is NOT to re-build Polaroid Integral film but (with the help of strategic partners) to develop a new product with new characteristics, consisting of new optimised components, produced with a streamlined modern setup. An innovative and fresh analog material, sold under a new brand name that perfectly will match the global re-positioning of Integral Films.

If you simply can’t wait until 2010 (like me), Gallery Space at Space 15 Twenty in Los Angeles is hosting a month-long group show of Polaroid photography, in conjunction with the production of the film. Or you can always check out the slew of ‘fake’ polaroid apps like this and this.  Now get to shakin’ it!

]]> http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2009/09/10/the-return-of-polaroid/feed/ 3 Save Polaroid The art world is dealt a crushing blow…. http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/03/14/the-art-world-is-dealt-a-crushing-blow/ http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/03/14/the-art-world-is-dealt-a-crushing-blow/#comments Fri, 14 Mar 2008 15:47:40 +0000 Despi http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/03/14/the-art-world-is-dealt-a-crushing-blow/ I am, of course, speaking about the demise of Polaroid instant film. If you haven’t yet heard, the company is planning to discontinue the manufacturing of instant film in 2008 and supplies are expected to dwindle then disappear in 2009. Some might argue it is merely a sign of progress, the replacement of an outdated medium with the new, easy, cheap digital method. I would argue that Polaroid has served many cultural and artistic functions. How else will we get souvenir photos taken with giant, animal-suited mascots, secretly snap a whole 10 pack of self-portraits, or explore photography as a medium without the encumbering development process. And then there is the unique texture and character of the prints themselves to miss. I have seen many an art installation incorporating Polaroids and love the process as much as the product. While I love many of the things the digital revolution has brought us, it is sad to let go of a cherished photographic process that has been deemed outmoded by the majority stakeholders.

Despi at the tender age of 2, voiced by a Simpsons magnet

And I am not alone in this lamentation. The blogosphere is lit up with desperate cries for someone else to pick up the instant film torch and carry on as well as those petitioning Polaroid to recant this decision and let us all move on, pretending this whole thing was nothing but a bad dream. I am not known for my teeming optimism, so while I suppose it is possible that the public outcry will affect corporate decision-making, it seems unfortunately unlikely.

Instead, we should move on to coping with the tragedy. Post photos to the Flickr Save Polaroid group, flip through your own pile of Polaroids and relive each moment, and, of course, go to drug stores everywhere to clear the shelves. Don’t be surprised if I am already there, ready to push you out of the way.

]]> http://www.imamuseum.org/blog/2008/03/14/the-art-world-is-dealt-a-crushing-blow/feed/ 5 Despi at the tender age of 2, voiced by a Simpsons magnet