Time Zero and Beyond: Exhibition

Time Zero and Beyond: Instant Photography

Our first Juried Instant Photography Exhibition… Opens on July 18th as a survey of the possibilities afforded by instant photography. The exhibition was conceived as an opportunity to explore and revisit instant photography in all its forms. Manipulated prints, view camera work or snapshots were all welcomed. Under the heading, “everything old is new again” we felt it was time to revisit this often misunderstood and under-appreciated branch of photography. Revisit older work made possible by this unique set of photographic materials or explore possibilities now available with new materials and cameras. 

Artists Included: Sharon Alagna, Sharon Bibeault, Krzystyna Caldarone, Kathleen Carr, Colton Carter, Lexi Coburn, Alma Davenport, Fran DeRespinis, Dylan Estes, Rosemary Fallon, Luciane Ferreira, Cristina Fontsaré, Erica Frisk, Duane Gamble, Alexandra Gataeva, Ashley Gates, Russell Hanley, Geoffrey Hicks, Kevin Hoth, Leslie Jean-Bart, Sonia Kahlon, Eddie Lanieri, Stephanie Larsen, Ed Lawrence, Ralph Mercer, Julie Mihaly, AJ Nadel, Emily Owens, Kristin Randall, Juan Rivera, Phil Roeder,  Danny Sanchez, A Seltzer, Sam Shaffer, Stephen Sheffield, Dennis Stein, Sharon Steven, Sharon Steven, Kristin Street, Noah Thompson, Aaron Wilder, Nakemiah Williams

Curators Statement: John Reuter,   
Time Zero in the Age of Instagram
In the early 1970s, when I first began to use Polaroid materials in my artwork, it was considered the height of analog film technology.  The excitement was ever present as you felt you were doing something that had never been done before.  My first love was SX-70 film, not the Time Zero most people know but the preceding generation that Polaroid referred to internally as “Q” film.  Lucas Samaras was the master of this film with his “Photo Transformations” and a huge inspiration for my early work.  Later I got to work with him on the 20×24 camera as I did with many of the artists Polaroid supported during those glory years.  My work at Polaroid exposed me to almost every film Polaroid made from Polachrome to Type 55 and all stripes of Polacolor.  

A decade ago the dream seemed to come to an end with Polaroid entering its final bankruptcy and terminating film production.  For years artists made do with expired film and early versions of Impossible Project’s offerings.  Fuji remained a player but then eliminated all but their Instax film line.  Today we have an increased awareness and desire for the tangible object that only instant film can provide.  This exhibit shows that artists will always find a way to make new expressions with the materials available.  “Time Zero and Beyond “ represents a mini history of instant film creation with some historic Polaroid film represented by BW 4×5, 20×24, image transfer, emulsion lifts and hybrid creations extending analog into digital printing formats.  Fuji Instax and Polaroid Originals film formats represent the present and indeed the future as more and more artists return to or discover for the first time that there is nothing like instant film for the creative spirit.     – John Reuter

About John Reuter: John is a master photographer, director of 20×24 Studios and adjunct professor of photography at the University of Hartford. John earned both an M.A. and M.F.A. in photography from University of Iowa School of Art and Art History. John started his professional career as a Polaroid research photographer and became the main photographer in the Polaroid 20×24 Studio in 1980.  The New York studio John ran was a key part of the Polaroid Artist Support Program and afforded him the opportunity to work with artists such as  William Wegman, Chuck Close, Mary Ellen Mark, Robert Rauschenberg and Ellen Carey among many others.

Reuter’s own work has been exhibited in a variety of national and international venues and has been published in a wide range of books and publications. His work, created primarily with Polaroid materials is anything but instant. www.johnreuter.com

Time Zero and Beyond: Instant Photography
Opening Reception: July 18th, 5:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Exhibition: Thursday, July 18th, through Friday, August 9th 

The RI Center for Photographic Arts, RICPA 118 N. Main St. Providence, RI 02903
Located in the heart of Providence, RICPA was founded to inspire creative development and provide opportunities to engage with the community through exhibitions, education, publication, and mutual support.

RICPA exists to create a diverse and supportive community for individuals interested in learning or working in the Photographic Arts. We strive to provide an environment conducive to the free exchange of ideas in an open and cooperative space. Members should share a passion for creating, appreciating, or learning about all forms of photo-based media. We work to provide a platform for artistic expression, that fosters dialogue and drives innovation in the photographic arts.

The Gallery at the Rhode Island Center for Photographic Arts is a member of Gallery Night Providence https://www.gallerynight.org/

Questions: Contact gallery@riphotocenter.org  To learn about other RICPA exhibits and programs, visit https://www.riphotocenter.org/.