Professor Lauren Shaw's Photographs

Two photographs by Lauren Shaw have been donated to the library and are on display next to the Circulation Desk. The Polaroid images, titled "Walkabout" and "Searching for Gold," are produced from one of four 20"x24" cameras that were designed to copy large pieces of artwork. Professor Shaw was one of a select group of photographers invited by Polaroid to use this camera to create one of a kind direct positive images. 

Professor Shaw has enjoyed a long association with Emerson - she started teaching here in 1972. Of the works given to the library, she says, "My Polaroids are created out of a desire to bring back the landscape to the studio. The primitive sign systems and history of the Southwest have inspired me to add to the mystery of the place by embellishing the landscape with artifacts collected from the area, adding imagery to imagery. These 'reflected landscapes' are collages created from color photographs, related to the language and texture of the Southwest. A mirror is used to reflect the final image onto the lens since the camera is always upright. The 'reflection' also suggests my personal vision that I have superimposed upon the landscape.