Polaroids
Rediscover the magic of instant photography at the Polaroids exhibition in Berlin.
Running from 7 March to 17 August 2025 at the Helmut Newton Stiftung im Museum für Fotografie, this event celebrates the groundbreaking Polaroid
technology that revolutionised photography. The exhibition explores the
evolution of instant imagery, featuring works by Helmut Newton, Pola Sieverding, Charles Johnstone, Sheila Metzner, Stephen
Shore, William Wegman a.o.
Polaroids at a glance
The Polaroid process has revolutionised photography since the 1960s. Anyone who has ever used this camera will the smell of the developing emulsion and the fascination with the instant image. Sometimes it developed on its own, whereas with some processes it was also necessary to draw a fixing liquid over the image surface. In this respect, it is a forerunner of today's digital photography - not in photographic terms, but because of its rapid availability.
Polaroids examines how instant photography shaped
both art and culture. Helmut Newton, one of the most influential
photographers of the 20th century, loved using Polaroids during his fashion
shoots. His impatience to see the results of his compositions mirrors the
excitement and spontaneity these cameras brought to the art world.
With works by:
Helmut Newton, Thorsten Brinkmann, Lucien Clergue, Barbara Crane, Alma Davenport, Toto Frima, Maurizio Galimberti, Luigi Ghirri, Erich Hartmann, Sally Mann, Sheila Metzner, Arnold Newman, Charles Johnstone, Marike Schuurman, Stephen Shore, Jeanloup Sieff, Pola Sieverding, Christer Strömholm, Oliviero Toscani, Ulay, William Wegman a.o..
Visitors will not only admire Newton's works but
also those of other legendary photographers, including Robert
Mapplethorpe, Mary Ellen Mark, David Hockney and Cathleen Naundorf. Each
artist's group of works showcases unique techniques and creative
interpretations of Polaroid technology. From intimate portraits to
experimental compositions, the exhibition highlights the versatility of
instant photography.
Polaroids highlights
- Helmut Newton's creative process: Gain a rare
glimpse into the artistic process of Helmut Newton, where Polaroids served as
both sketches and standalone masterpieces.
- Works by photography icons: Marvel at
Polaroids by renowned artists like Robert Mapplethorpe and David Hockney,
each bringing their own style to this instant medium.
- Experimental techniques: Discover innovative uses of
Polaroid cameras, from layering and texturing to hand-drawn annotations that
add a personal touch to the works.
- Technological wonders: Learn about the groundbreaking
chemistry and mechanics that made instant photography possible, sparking a
revolution in visual art.
- Artistic artefacts: Examine Polaroids featuring
original marks and notes from photographers, offering a behind-the-scenes
look at their creative methods.
Discover Polaroids
Polaroid photography began as an ingenious solution
to a child's impatience. In 1948, Edwin H. Land unveiled the first
Polaroid camera after his daughter asked why she couldn't see photos right
after they were taken. This invention transformed photography, allowing both
professionals and amateurs to instantly capture and review their moments.
The Polaroids exhibition is a celebration of this cultural
phenomenon. The instant gratification of Polaroids made them a favourite tool
for artistic experimentation and personal expression. Newton, for
instance, relied on Polaroids to assess and refine his iconic fashion
compositions.
This exhibition also highlights the object-like
quality of Polaroids, which many photographers embraced. The unique
physicality of each Polaroid – a one-of-a-kind image with imperfections,
annotations and context – adds a layer of storytelling often missing in today's
digital age.
Top tips for Polaroids
- The museum is conveniently located near S-Bahn Zoologischer Garten.
Multiple bus lines also stop nearby.
- The Museum für Fotografie is fully accessible, with lifts and barrier-free
facilities for visitors with mobility challenges.
- Reduced admission is available for students and
individuals with disabilities upon presentation of appropriate documentation.
- Make it a full day by exploring nearby landmarks like the Kaiser
Wilhelm Memorial Church or the Berlin Zoo. You'll also find plenty
of cafés and restaurants for a quick bite.
Helmut Newton Stiftung im Museum für Fotografie
Jebensstraße 2
10623 Berlin
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Museum für Fotografie - Helmut Newton Stiftung, Jebensstraße 2, 10623
Berlin