Polaroids from China is an ongoing, constantly developing project by Ukrainian photographer Sergey Melnitchenko. Ever since moving to Chengdu, China he was fascinated with this amazing new world he had just discovered and chose just the perfect medium to document everything he sees. Get a glimpse into his polaroids from China universe.
KALTBLUT: How has moving to China affected your view of the world and your work as a photographer?
Sergey: After coming to China, I understood that it’s another world really. Everything is so different especially when you don’t know the language, haha. It’s the first time I left Ukraine, so of course everything is new for me and very interesting and I think it’s very good for every artist to change their place of living to have some new inspiration.
KALTBLUT: How did the idea of Polaroids of China develop?
Sergey: I just bought camera, that’s all.
KALTBLUT: Why polaroids? How do you think this instant medium adds to the series?
Sergey: From my childhood I loved Polaroid films but when I grew up the era of digital cameras began. Polaroid cameras and films for them cost too much in my country that’s why I’ve never had such one. But after I came to China I saw Fujifilm Instax cameras in the shop and understood that I wanted it and I took one immediately. I think it was destiny. “Polaroids from China” look great for me in this medium and I’m glad that I’m making this series. I have also a digital camera with me but now I really forget how to use it.
KALTBLUT: What are you working on right now? How long will you continue with this series?
Sergey: Polaroids from China is an ongoing project and it will be finished once I make a book out of it. I’m planning to make it by the end of this year.
Interview by Amanda M. Jansson
