Expect the Unexpected

Fans of the Star Wars mythology know that to be a true Jedi knight, one must make one’s own lightsaber. Similarly, you can spot a true photographer by how they’ve modified and taped their Holga. The cheap and funky Hong Kong camera is low-fi photography at its nuttiest – charmingly inconsistent Holga results include lens distortion (what do you want from plastic?), light leakage and a dream-like focus. But the photo-Jedis make these quirks work for them, crafting beautiful images that come not from technological short-cuts but through gut feelings and an appreciation of the moment. Approve of the Holga, Yoda would. Forty-two local artists were asked to have fun with the Holga, and the resulting photographs make up the Holga Polka Invitational at the Regional Arts Commission (6128 Delmar Boulevard; 314-863-5811 or www.art-stl.com). The show opens with a free reception from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday, January 9, which also features polka music by Larry Hallar’s Two Star Final. The show remains up through Sunday, February 22.
Jan. 9-Feb. 22, 2009