The vast space of the gallery enveloped the displayed Polaroid photographs; creating a contrast of size between the art itself and its environment and heightening the intensity of the images. Yet simultaneously the polaroids held a power and presence of their own next to the huge white walls.
As a viewer I had no choice but to be directly involved with the pictures; the considerably small size of each one brought about an intimacy which I was very aware of – it seemed as though I was almost pressing myself against the wall to really be able to look into each photograph. However I did really enjoy that interaction - the notion of viewing a photograph so closely that it seemed as though I was within its frame.
I paid quite a lot of attention to the displaying of the images – they were all placed in a continuous line across the gallery walls; about eye level, and were supported by a thin aluminium rail, whereby it seemed they had all simply been placed on top i.e. they weren’t attached to anything; allowing anyone to pick them up and view them. In fact it reminded me of a mantelpiece in a house, where people often place their photographs for viewing. I felt that this layout also contributed to the intimacy of the images as a whole, despite them being in what might be deemed an intimidating and not at all ‘homely’ setting.
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