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Daniel Arsham Polaroid Future Relic 06 For Sale

Daniel Arsham
Daniel Arsham - Polaroid Future Relic 06, 2016, White plaster and glass fragments

Polaroid Future Relic 06, 2016

White plaster and glass fragments

5 x 1 1/4 x 2 1/2 in 12.7 x 3.2 x 6.3 cm

About this work

Daniel Arsham's "Future Relic Polaroid" is a captivating piece that reimagines the iconic Polaroid camera as a relic from a speculative future. Arsham's work often explores themes of nostalgia, technology, and the passage of time, and the "Future Relic Polaroid" is no exception. In this artwork, the Polaroid camera—a symbol of instant photography and vintage charm—is transformed into an enigmatic artifact, evoking a sense of temporal displacement and mystery. Arsham's distinctive aesthetic, characterized by erosion, distortion, and a sense of antiquity, is applied to the Polaroid camera, giving it a weathered, fossilized appearance as if it has been unearthed from a distant future. Through this reinterpretation, Arsham prompts viewers to reconsider their relationship with photography and the ways in which technology shapes our memories and experiences. The "Future Relic Polaroid" serves as a reminder of the rapid evolution of photographic technology and the transient nature of human creations. Yet, amidst the decay, there is a sense of nostalgia for the tactile experience of using a Polaroid camera and the instant gratification it provides in capturing moments. Arsham's creation invites us to reflect on the ways in which photography influences our perceptions of time and memory, and the enduring significance of capturing moments in our lives.

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Edition & Provenance

Year
2016
Medium
White plaster and glass fragments
Edition
Edition of 500
Polaroid Future Relic 06

About Daniel Arsham

Daniel Arsham

Market Performance

Daniel Arsham commands one of the most enthusiastic collector bases in contemporary art, with primary market releases frequently selling out within minutes and works achieving significant premiums in the secondary market. His fictional archaeologies — eroded sculptures of familiar cultural objects — are sought globally, with strong auction results at Phillips, Christie's, and Sotheby's. His collaborations with brands including Adidas, Dior, Porsche, and Pokémon have expanded his cultural reach while maintaining his artistic identity. Limited-edition prints and small-scale sculptures offer entry points into his practice, while large unique works and site-specific installations command substantial six-figure valuations.

Life and Practice

Born in 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio, Daniel Arsham studied architecture at the Cooper Union in New York, where his interest in the relationship between time, objects, and material crystallized. He co-founded the multidisciplinary design studio Snarkitecture with Alex Mustonen and has built a prolific studio practice encompassing sculpture, architecture, performance, and film. His signature aesthetic — objects and figures partially consumed by geological erosion — imagines a future archaeology of the present. Cars, telephones, cameras, sneakers, and cultural icons are cast in minerals including selenite, quartz, pyrite, and volcanic ash, appearing as though excavated from some impossible ruin.

Series Overview

Arsham's major bodies of work include his Fictional Archaeology series, in which everyday objects are rendered in crystal, selenite, and volcanic ash as if centuries old. His Eroded series applies this treatment to art historical references and cultural icons. His Future Relics editions — collaborative releases with specific brands — have become some of the most coveted objects in contemporary collecting. More recently, his Hourglass series and large-scale architectural interventions have expanded his formal range.

Museum Collections

Arsham's work is held in significant institutional and private collections internationally, including the High Museum of Art in Atlanta. He has produced major public installations and has been featured at major international art fairs including Art Basel and Frieze.

Buying/Selling with Guy Hepner

Guy Hepner sources and places Daniel Arsham works including prints, editions, and unique sculptures. Contact us to discuss acquisition or consignment.
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