IN memory of legendary Dutch cinematographer Robby Müller, Polaroid has announced Like Sunlight Coming Through The Clouds, an exhibition providing an inside look into Müller’s lesser-known Polaroid photography.
Santa Fe, Mexico, while shooting Fool for Love, 1985 Polaroid 600 © Robby Müller Estate Courtesy Robby Müller Estate
Boppard am Rhein, while shooting Falsche Bewegung, 1974 Polaroid SX-70 © Robby Müller Estate Courtesy Robby Müller Estate
The first exhibition of his work since his passing last July, Polaroid commemorates his most renowned asset – his eye, an attribute which eventually earned him the title ‘ The Master of Light’. Known for his exploration of natural lighting and minimalist imagery, Müller first gained recognition for his contributions to West German cinema, later branching into films including Paris, Texas (1984), Down By Law (1986), and Mystery Train (1989).
New Orleans, while shooting Down By Law, 1985 Polaroid 600 © Robby Müller Estate Courtesy Robby Müller Estate
Image 10 Austin, Texas, while shooting Honeysuckle Rose, 1979 Polaroid SX-70 © Robby Müller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery and Robby Müller Estate
Praised as one of most important film artists of the twentieth century, the exhibition shines a light onto his Polaroid photography, chronicling different elements of his daily life, from hotel rooms and Cadillac cars, to abstract shapes and natural forms.
Kensington Motel, Santa Monica, L.A, 1985 Polaroid 600 © Robby Müller Estate Courtesy Robby Müller Estate
Self-portrait in lamp, Munich, 1977 Polaroid SX-70 © Robby Müller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery and Robby Müller Estate
These Polaroids not only documented the everyday, but were used as a tool for experimenting with lighting for Müller’s films. Over one hundred Polaroids will be showcased, shot from the early 1970s to the late 1990s, over the golden period of his cinematic career.
by Emma Hart
Robby Müller: Like Sunlight Coming Through The Clouds is presented by Polaroid at the Place de la République 12, Arles, France, from July 1, 2019