Polaroid Funeral Parade

posted by Dave

For one New York artist, the death of the Polaroid inspires the marriage of New Orleans culture into a burlesque-tinged funeral in Soho…

Following the announcement in February to cease production of Polaroid instant film, conceptual photographer Lynnette Astaire’s New Orleans inspired performance comes highly anticipated at this years Deitch Art Parade. In it’s 4th year, the annually curated event, sponsored by Deitch Projects, Paper Magazine and Creative Time, marks the beginning of the fall art season in New York City. The event is held on West Broadway in the Soho neighborhood of New York City. Past and current performers include Yoko Ono, Kenny Scharf, Scissor Sisters, and Steve ‘ESPO’ Powers. Lynnette’s piece, entitled “The Polaroid Funeral” is a live adaptation of a self portrait session produced earlier this year. Classically trained in dance and music, this marks her debut in the art world as a performance artist.

“Some of the most celebrated artists of our time created work with a Polaroid camera…from Chuck Close to Andy Warhol,” says Lynnette. “Everything will be affected… from model castings, passports, parties, even those shots with your ex that you don’t want anyone to see…it’s been a massive, massive part of our culture. I’m honored to be representing every artist that connects to this art form”

Lynnette seeks to translate the same qualities found in her printed work into the live elements of Saturday’s piece which is inspired by New Orleans jazz funeral traditions. “I think the concept fits perfect with Jeffery Deitch’s vision for the Art Parade as well as my personal style which tends to be theatric and provocative. I’m inspired by aspects of New Orleans culture; the funerals, the voodoo folklore, and the burlesque. I’m combining all of those elements.” The performance will feature a 6ft custom built casket complete with costumed pallbearers, custom church style handfans, funeral bridesmaids, NYC’s Stumblebum Brass Band, African roots dance ensemble Afro Mosiac Soul, as well as a host of others from the Downtown art community.

Lynnette Astaire received her first Polaroid camera at age 7, and went on to receive a B.A. in Photography from New York’s School of Visual Arts. Since then she’s shown in a number of group shows and recently held her first solo exhibition in Chicago to positive reviews. She has been featured in photo industry staples, such as Picture Magazine as well as Italian national newspaper la Republica. Lynnette is also a long time collaborator with Downtown it-brand, Married to the Mob, co-producing provocative campaigns and branded apparel. Her current influences include Mozart, 80’s icon Leigh Bowery, and hip-hop artist Lil Wayne. Lynnette lives and works in New York City.

Deitch Projects specializes in producing ambitious projects by contemporary artists. The gallery is global in its outlook. Since it’s opening in January, 1996 with a live event by Vanessa Beecroft, the gallery has presented projects by artists from more than 20 countries.

The Art Parade is Saturday September 6th 2008 at 4pm on West Broadway between Houston and Grand Streets in Manhattan.

Press related inquiries for the artist will be held at a private residence prior to the event, please contact for more information

For additional information:

studio@lynnetteastaire.com
+1 917 776 6330

www.lynnetteastaire.com
www.deitch.com
www.papermag.com
www.creativetime.org