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Polaroids from the Middle Kingdom

The Polaroids from the Middle Kingdom are a series of images from contemporary China from 2008-2010 but captured on expired film from the 1980s. The faded red or green, patchy scenes of people escaping the summer heat, incredible construction sites, iconic landmarks and monuments, immediately assume a look of nostalgia and melancholy. But this effect is not Lukas’ intent. His instant images capture a vibrant contemporary life using a filter of predetermined nostalgia and longing. With an expatriate perspective, he applies a Western sensibility for preservation of the past towards his observation of modern China racing for the future.

First paragraph of the book foreword by Katherine Don.

Polaroids from the Middle Kingdom exhibition images here. Buy the book here.