The celebrated Dutch cinematographer Robby M眉ller (1940-2018) was recognised for an atmospheric aesthetic, demonstrated in long-term collaborations with directors Wim Wenders, Jim Jarmusch and Lars von Trier. In spare moments between filming, M眉ller would capture his world through a similar approach, using a Polaroid SX-70, 600 or Spectra type camera to freeze the everyday. Like Sunlight Coming Through The Clouds is a new show taking place as part of Les Rencontres D’Arles 2019, comprising over 100 of the artist’s unseen Polaroids taken from the 1970s to the 1990s.
The exhibition navigates urban landscapes across the US and other cities around the world. Cars, still lifes and hotel rooms are brought into focus, with each composition illuminating abstract forms and patterns. Reflections in a windscreen, light streaming in through an open window, the pinks, purples and yellows of a sunset. These are the details that fascinated M眉ller, each rendered with a poetic quality and a unique sense of control. The experimental images delve into the working process of a renowned master of film, presenting intriguing ruminations on the quotidian.
Robby M眉ller: Like Sunlight Coming Through The Clouds is presented by at the Place de la R茅publique 12, Arles, France, until 28 July.
Credits:
1. While shooting To Live and Die in L.A, 1984-1985 Polaroid 600 漏 Robby M眉ller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam.
2. New Orleans, while shooting 鈥楧own By Law鈥, 1985 Polaroid 600 漏 Robby M眉ller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam.
3. Bretagne, while shooting 鈥楲es Iles, L鈥檌le D鈥檕uessant鈥, 1981 Polaroid SX-70 漏 Robby M眉ller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam.
4. Santa Fe, Mexico, while shooting 鈥楩ool for Love鈥, 1985 Polaroid 600 漏 Robby M眉ller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam.
5. Kensington Motel, Santa Monica, L.A, 1985 Polaroid 600 漏 Robby M眉ller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam.
6. Baywater Hotel, New Orleans, while shooting 鈥楧own By Law鈥, 1985 Polaroid 600 漏 Robby M眉ller Estate Courtesy Annet Gelink Gallery, Amsterdam.
