1UP, Martha Cooper, Futura, Mark Gonzales and more co-create community project during Art Basel in Miami
Ten renowned artists turn their Polaroid portraits into graffiti artworks in real time, merging two artistic mediums that resist the quest for perfection
1UP present a unique artist live studio at Museum of Graffiti during Art Basel Miami featuring renowned and upcoming artists and photographers, including Martha Cooper, Nika Kramer, Futura, 2Alas, Vhils, Mark Gonzales, Boo Johnson, Maya Hayuk, Eneri, Reds, Revok and 1UP crew. Bringing these individuals from a broad spectrum of urban arts together in this format is a first happening of its kind. Merging different styles, mixing art worlds and genres while creating a community unlike any other.
The project offers an environment of cooperation, synthesis, community and exchange where unique art pieces are being created on the spot. 10 artists have been invited to get their in the moment Polaroid portraits taken by Martha Cooper and Nika Kramer. During public painting sessions, the artists turn their enlarged Polaroid portraits into graffiti artworks in their signature style.
“A portrait is a feeling. It’s complex, filled with emotions and energy. It is pain, joy, love. When we create as artists, we tap into a feeling that gives us life. Art and instant photography have a beautiful correlation. It’s raw, analogue, tangible, imperfect. Fusing genres, techniques and styles while building a platform of collaboration. We wanted to bring together and build a community of international artists, all under the umbrella of Art Basel in Miami. One that is deep-rooted in community and kinship, allowing us to unite and create with people from different backgrounds and industries.” - 1UP Crew
Both Polaroid photography and graffiti, are one-of-a-kind artforms, preserving the essence of authenticity. The rich heritage of Polaroid in creative culture overall, also resonates within the graffiti community since decades. A medium loved by artists that ignite experimentation.
The artworks will be available for sale at the Museum of Graffiti, with limited-edition prints signed and numbered by the artists from December 8th. The signing session is happening on December 8, 2023, from 1pm to 5pm.
About Polaroid
Polaroid was founded in 1937 by Edwin Land as an icon of innovation and engineering. The company’s launch of the Polaroid Land camera in 1947, which marked the genesis of instant photography, and subsequent introduction of the breakthrough Polaroid SX-70 camera in 1972 and many others, would firmly cement Polaroid’s standing as a technological pioneer and cultural phenomenon during its peak. However, at the turn of the century, the company would be faced with new realities surrounding digital technology’s swift rise and ceased the production of instant film in 2008. But that was short-lived; a dedicated group of instant photography fans would save the last Polaroid factory in the Netherlands under the name ‘The Impossible Project,’ paving way for the eventual rebirth of the original ‘Polaroid’ brand in the years following.
Today, Polaroid is in pursuit of unlocking the beauty in everyday life with instant photography tools that empower creators across the globe to capture meaningful moments. With recent introductions like the world’s smallest instant camera, the Polaroid Go camera, and the world’s first instant camera with built-in manual controls, the Polaroid I-2 camera, the company that we have come to know and love for over 80 years is rooted back in the spirit of analog innovation for the modern age.
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