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RA Friedman, photographer extraordinaire, has invented a mystical, carnival-like space in the AxD gallery for this year’s Fringe Fest, where visitors can not only view his photographic work but also participate. A Cabinet of Photographic Curiosities is “part photography, part time-machine, part side-show, mixed up with a boat-load of alchemical visual inventiveness.” Visitors are encouraged to step back in time with vintage costumes, as Friedman photographs them with a large single lens reflex camera on traditional silver instant film that will be artistically aged and enhanced.

From the digital techniques to the Polaroid film, every element on Friedman’s exhibit is carefully thought-out to reflect a certain mysticism, curiosity and transformation. Friedman will be using what’s left of his Polaroid film since the company has closed. He will even be shooting on a few “left-over rolls of the circa 1970′s film” from Polaroid.

Those who choose to step into the photo tent can either leave with a free, instant photo of their new persona or have their photo become a “work-in-progress” for Friedman. What this means is that after the shoot Friedman will “work on using some pretty unusual digital techniques. Because [he] was trained as a painter, [he] works more like a printmaker and often evolves the image though various states until [he's] satisfied.” If you make the decision to have your photo transformed into a photographic curiosity, you will need to sign a model release and will receive a free final print, signed and dated by Friedman. Simply amazing.

Friedman will exhibit finished pieces (bearded ladies, snake handlers, etc), as well as those that he creates throughout the fringe festival in the gallery, truly creating an evolving, living exhibit. I encourage you to visit the gallery and experience the curiosities that Friedman has created as “this residency during the Fringe is really going to be the “last hurrah” in terms of using Polaroid products and possibly for my doing instant photography on this kind of scale and for free.”

Be the first to experience Friedman’s work at the opening on Friday, August 29th from 6-9pm.

A Cabinet of Photographic Curiosities
Opening: Friday, August 29, 6:00-9:00 pm ҬRuns through: Sept. 13. Entrance and photos are FREE.

RA Friedman at AxD Gallery
265 S. 10th St., Philadelphia, PA