Andre Kertez: The Polariods

My apologies for not posting my Film and Foto Friday on Friday; I was on set (where I do not take my computer).

For my first Film and Foto Friday I wanted to introduce you to a body of work I find inspiring. In a world of "make it big", "make it busy" this series of photographs goes against the grain.

This work, entitled "The Polariods", was created by the photographer André Kertéz. "The Polaroids" consists of tiny photographs (they are, after all, polaroids) shot in his apartment, using simple elements to create little still lives; the main element being a small glass bust.

It amazes me how much emotion I find from these little works, and just how intimate they feel. I think it is also important to know the back story of the work, that being they were created after his wife's death, and after he lost all desire to live. Stripped naked he created a body of work encompassing all the love he had for his wife and all the pain he felt for her loss. 

The cover for André Kertéz: The Polariods 

(Top)The glass bust that began it all. 

Instead of creating complicated lighting set-ups, filling the frame with hundreds of objects, or traveling to exotic locations, he found a single item--a glass bust--placed it around his apartment and created a body of work that transcends.

Every time I look at the book of polaroids I see something new, I relate to a different work, and I feel inspired. In a world of "bigger is better", "more for your money", and "latest and greatest" this body of work is a grounding force reminding us:

intimate is essential

Please note: All the images used here are copyrighted to ©André Kertéz and the André Kertéz estate. I do not own, or claim to own and of these images.