Polaroids is a small book. It measures just 20 x 25cm. There are only 64 pages. But somehow, when considering David Armstrong’s work, this is fitting. For Armstrong always worked best when photographing those intimate moments of life – the small, imperceptible moments, the gaze of a boy, his naked skin. When Armstrong passed away last year, it was clear that his was a legacy that would not be easily forgotten. Polaroids proves this. It is a celebration of his life – a collective portrait of the 1970s, made up of Polaroid photographs taken by both Armstrong and his friends. And these aren’t just any friends, but other major talents, like Bruce Balboni, Nan Goldin, Lisa Love and Cookie Muller. But even with these names, Polaroids still holds Armstrong’s distinct touch, mainly because he it began the book himself before his death. It was made as part of a collaboration with Morel books, who have now lovingly completed it – even down to the final detail of adding a poem by Frank O’ Hara, emailed to them by Armstrong in the last email he sent about Polaroids. The result is a book that feels not like a memorial, but a collection of work still full of Armstrong’s vision and life.
Polaroids by David Armstrong is available from Morel books in a limited run of 1000 copies. Each cover contains a reproduced Polaroid picture. It will also be available at NY Book Fair.
Read our interview with David Armstrong here
