There are many ways to approach photographing an art fair either as a record of the event or as a creative project. Photographer Nick McManus takes an unusual route by combining measured actions needed to create instant film photographs with the spontaneous energies of art fairs, art gatherings and parties to create a unique record of happy times spent at festive gatherings. McManus uses new camera technology to revive instant film photography by the Impossible Project, using Polaroid camera technology as its leaping point.
Shunning the ease of digital and its reproduction (and editing) capacity means both the film and the composition taken on an increased importance and when Nick McManus poses a picture, it's the picture he wants to take. To capture as much of the energy and the people who are part of the event, McManus favors group portraits and aims to have the people included as expressive as possible for his compositions.
This summer, McManus secured an invitation by Art Market Productions to take group photos at the fair's VIP preview of Market Art+Design, held in Bridgehampton in July 2016. Friendly with a few exhibiting galleries from New York City, McManus started there to make images. Once he started to form crowds for his photographs, McManus found art fair participants willing to get into the action even though he wasn't working with a publication, he said in a phone interview after the fair closed. Embolden by the reception, McManus made several returns to the Hamptons art fair and photographed people gathered during times of celebrating, regular art fair hours and even during the final moments as the art fair packed up to move from its temporary home in The Hamptons.
Continue scrolling to take an unusual trip through Art Market + Design 2016 through the eyes of photographer Nick McManus and his instant film photography.
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Nick McManus is an artist, filmmaker and event photographer based in New York City. Known for using a Polaroid camera to create contemporary images of parties, art openings and more, McManus has made images with instant film during Art Basel Miami Beach Week, the Jazz Age Lawn Party at Governor's Island, the Warriors Bicycle Race in Brooklyn and more. In addition to events, McManus has an ongoing series of photographs of iconic or beloved neighborhood businesses close in New York City. His work can be seen on his website by clicking here.
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BASIC FACTS: Market Art + Design took place from July 7 - 10, 2016 on the grounds of the Bridgehampton Museum. www.artmarkethamptons.com. Photography by Nick McManus can be seen by clicking here.
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