Polaroid, Polaroid, Polaroid
Image: “Seed. Stone. Star.” By Jenna Lee
Call for submissions: Polaroid Polaroid Polaroid at MARS Gallery
MARS Gallery is putting together a group show, Polaroid Polaroid Polaroid, and opening it up to artists, friends, and community. The exhibition will raise funds for Living Positive Victoria, supporting people living with HIV across Victoria.
The idea takes a cue from Andy Warhol, who used Polaroids obsessively. Before making a portrait, he’d take hundreds of shots, lay them all out, and choose the ones that felt right. Sometimes it was about the person. Sometimes it was just about what caught his attention.
This show sits somewhere in that space. Things you like. Things you don’t. People, places, fragments.
Read what MARS Founder, Andy Dinan had to say:
1. What sparked the idea for a Polaroid exhibition as a fundraiser for Living Positive Victoria?
Polaroid Polaroid Polaroid was originally inspired by showing at Paris Photo and seeing Andy Warhol’s polaroids for sale. Up close, his approach to capturing his everyday life through Polaroids was inspiring, and I was keen to show Australian Polaroids.
From there, I wanted to mark the end of MARS Windsor with an open group exhibition for all to take part in, bringing together a snapshot of the MARS community. Giving back to the community we hold dear, I decided to use the opportunity to raise funds for the important work at Living Positive Victoria.
2. Why Polaroid as a format? What is it about that medium that felt right for this kind of community-driven show?
Polaroids are and have been distinctly known as an accessible and playful means of photographing. Producing an instant print, with little to no wait time, Polaroids revolutionised photography. Since its inception in 1948, Polaroids have been beloved by generations for the ability to capture moments with an instant keepsake print.
Polaroids are readily available and do not require professional photographic training or understanding, making them perfect for all to share a snapshot of their lives for a good cause!
3. This exhibition invites contributions from both artists and community. What excites you about opening the space up in that way?
Art can be for everyone. We wanted to open this opportunity to the community to be presented on the walls of the gallery as opposed to usually viewing as the audience. It excites me to see what people will share of their lives behind closed doors!
4. For people who want to take part, what are the submission guidelines? For example, are you open to Instax or other instant film formats, and what’s the deadline to submit work?
Polaroids of all sizes will be accepted in the show, as well as works inspired by Polaroids (paintings, mixed media, etc.). Interest in participating should be shared with the gallery as soon as possible. Works must be delivered or posted to MARS by the end of May.
5. What do you hope people feel or take away when they experience the show?
Showcasing all the ways people capture their lives with Polaroids, brought together in one space, will hopefully inspire joy for the range of ways we can express ourselves.
We hope this exhibition brings joy back into the community we hope to represent, whilst also drawing attention to and supporting the important work of Living Positive Victoria!
What you can submit
You can submit up to 10 works. They can be actual Polaroids, Instax, or any kind of instant film. If you don’t shoot on film, that’s fine too. Paintings or mixed media works inspired by Polaroids are welcome.
Works can be framed or unframed. You can set your own price, or leave it open so buyers decide what they can afford. You can also choose whether or not to donate your commission.
If you don’t have a camera, the gallery has one you can borrow.
Why this matters
Living Positive Victoria has been around since 1988, supporting people living with HIV and advocating for their rights.
Funds raised through the exhibition will go towards LPV’s Flip Fund, which supports people living with HIV who are doing it tough, helping cover basic needs and keeping people connected to care and community.
If you’re not submitting work, you can still come along, see the show, and buy a piece. Every sale goes back into supporting people in real, practical ways.
Key dates
Artwork info due: 15 May (midnight)
Deliver work: by 20 May
Install: 20 June
Opening: 23 June, 6 to 8 pm
Closing: 11 July
How to get involved
Email ruby@marsgallery.com.au to say you’re in.
You’ll need to send through a short bio, CV, and anything you want to say about your work. If you’ve got images ready, send those through too so they can be used for promo.
And if you’ve got friends, or people you’ve always wanted to see in a show, invite them.