Simon’s collection of Polaroid photos will showcase his love affair with photography, the natural and built environments, and his interest in Polaroid cameras. The exhibition is set to challenge the artistic community’s thoughts on Polaroid photography as a valid medium, often dismissed as merely a ‘fun, adolescent’ format.
In 2002, with the rise of digital photography, Simon sensed that the format would disappear so he bought close to one hundred boxes of Polaroid film. Intrigued by the format since he first experimented with it, he tinkered with the camera itself to ensure the best quality print.
“I removed the plastic lens and replaced it with glass,” explains Simon. “I covered the case’s tiny gaps with black tape to prevent even the tiniest amount of light prematurely exposing the film. I’ve even used a tripod and spirit level to get the most from my shots.”
“Polaroid cameras conjure up distant memories of poorly focused banal happy snaps of slightly inebriated relatives in silly hats at family celebrations or while on holidays, but emphatically not leading edge creativity,” Simon enthuses.
The exhibition’s opening night will also be the launch his self-published book featuring selected prints from his ‘Polaroid Holiday’ project.
“Polaroid was the first instant gratification photography. You didn’t have to wait for your parents to pick-up the film. I found this aspect of Polaroid photography really interesting,” says the Stanmore local.
‘Polaroid Holiday’ will be exhibited at Paddington’s Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Street, from Tuesday 23 November until Tuesday 30 November. Gallery enquiries ph 9380 7080.
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Media Invitation:
Media are invited to attend Simon’s Polaroid Holiday Opening Night and book launch:
Thursday, 25 November, 6-8pm, Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington. Please RSVP to sam@inlumino.com.au by Monday 22 November.
Photo Opportunity:
By appointment: Tuesday 23 November - Thursday 25 November, Blender Gallery, or at Simon’s residence/studio.
About Simon Bernhardt:
Australian photographer Simon Bernhardt first started his career in Sydney. Through his artistic flair, intense dedication to perfection and quirky sense of humour, Bernhardt is well-known for his special connection between camera and subject.
Bernhardt’s work is regularly featured in magazines such as Hong Kong Cosmopolitan, Couture, DCM Magazine, Emirates Woman, Fashion Handbook, Sydney Wedding Fashion, and The Sydney Morning Herald Essentials. His work has also been published in ACB Beauty, Art of Cosmetic Beauty Australia and USA, Black & White Magazine, Celebrations, Good Weekend Magazine, Marie Claire, and 100k+ Magazine.
About Polaroid Holiday:
This photographic odyssey captures rhythm and energy which transforms the everyday into beautiful nuanced images. The images included in the self-published book range from scenes of central Europe in winter, to studies of stark urban alienation. Polaroid Holiday will be stocked in Sydney’s leading independent book store Kinokuniya at The Galleries Victoria, Sydney.
Simon Bernhardt’s fascination with the Polaroid began as a small child and has developed into a spectacular creative obsession. The Polaroid camera is the photographic equivalent of brick-sized mobile phones. Through astute modification, Simon has transformed it into a contemporary tool, capable of conveying subtlety of mood and texture.
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For media enquiries, contact Sam Spurr, Inlumino Communications, on 0438 501 005 or email sam@inlumino.com.au
Media Invitation:
Media are invited to attend Simon’s Polaroid Holiday Opening Night and book launch:
Thursday, 25 November, 6-8pm, Blender Gallery, 16 Elizabeth Street, Paddington. Please RSVP to sam@inlumino.com.au by Monday 22 November.
Photo Opportunity:
By appointment: Tuesday 23 November - Thursday 25 November, Blender Gallery, or at Simon’s residence/studio.
About Simon Bernhardt:
Australian photographer Simon Bernhardt first started his career in Sydney. Through his artistic flair, intense dedication to perfection and quirky sense of humour, Bernhardt is well-known for his special connection between camera and subject.
Bernhardt’s work is regularly featured in magazines such as Hong Kong Cosmopolitan, Couture, DCM Magazine, Emirates Woman, Fashion Handbook, Sydney Wedding Fashion, and The Sydney Morning Herald Essentials. His work has also been published in ACB Beauty, Art of Cosmetic Beauty Australia and USA, Black & White Magazine, Celebrations, Good Weekend Magazine, Marie Claire, and 100k+ Magazine.
About Polaroid Holiday:
This photographic odyssey captures rhythm and energy which transforms the everyday into beautiful nuanced images. The images included in the self-published book range from scenes of central Europe in winter, to studies of stark urban alienation. Polaroid Holiday will be stocked in Sydney’s leading independent book store Kinokuniya at The Galleries Victoria, Sydney.
Simon Bernhardt’s fascination with the Polaroid began as a small child and has developed into a spectacular creative obsession. The Polaroid camera is the photographic equivalent of brick-sized mobile phones. Through astute modification, Simon has transformed it into a contemporary tool, capable of conveying subtlety of mood and texture.
---
For media enquiries, contact Sam Spurr, Inlumino Communications, on 0438 501 005 or email sam@inlumino.com.au
