ULAY
Elf, 1974-75
Black and white C-print after original Auto-Polaroid (type 107, 8.5 x 10.8 cm)
8.5 x 11 inches (21.59 x 27.94 cm)
Edition of 20, +5 AP

$ 350 (Edition 1 - 10)
$ 450 (Edition 11 - 20)

This special edition print by ULAY is released exclusively by signs and symbols in collaboration with the ULAY Foundation in memory of the artist. This joint effort is one of our special initiatives to support the gallery's activities, the Ulay Foundation’s project space and residency in Ljubljana and Piran (Slovenia), and The Bowery Mission during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In the early period of his artistic activity between 1968 and 1976, the German-born performance artist ULAY undertook a thematic search for understandings of the notions of identity and the body on both the personal and communal levels. Through series of aphorisms, Polaroid photographs, and intimate performances, he introduced the term performative photography. “As soon as I began using the Polaroid camera, mainly pointing it at myself – a practice I called Auto-Polaroid – I immediately discovered its performative elements. Taking Polaroids was a performative act for me: I performed in front of the camera. These were intimate actions, carried out in the absence of a live audience, ephemeral in nature, yet arrested in time through the Polaroid.” Taking hundreds of self-portraits, each manipulated in a myriad of ways, ULAY developed an approach that was novel in both method and subject matter, using the camera as a tool to investigate and modify identity, whilst exploring socially constructed issues of gender.

By acquiring this special edition print, you will help support our curatorial vision and commitment to performance and time-based media. The edition is conceived as a benefit fundraiser, with 10% of proceeds donated to The Bowery Mission in memory of ULAY who worked with the mission in the 90’s.

© the artist, courtesy of ULAY Foundation

Shipping for this work must be coordinated directly with the gallery following payment; shipping costs will be billed to the client separately. For international shipping, please inquire. The gallery is not liable for third party shippers. All sales are final.