The collaboration between Magnum Photos and Polaroid has come to life at the Paris Photo Fair, where the results of their first Open Call are now on display. This pioneering partnership was created to support emerging visual storytellers, with Magnum photographers Enri Canaj, Jim Goldberg, and Newsha Tavakolian serving as mentors. Selected from over 2,000 submissions across more than 100 countries, ten winners were chosen for their compelling, empathy-driven work.

Each winner received guidance from the Magnum mentors along with a Polaroid I-2 camera to help bring their unique perspectives to life. Among the featured artists are Jakub Stanek, Jaír Fernando Coll, Maria Beatriz de Vilhena, and Mengwen Cao, whose projects explore themes like migration, identity, and resilience. For many, working with Polaroid was a new experience that added a sense of raw immediacy to their storytelling.

Now showcased in the exhibition Real Life is Not Black and White at the Grand Palais, the winners’ work celebrates the authenticity and imperfections of Polaroid photography. Each image reveals the richness of human experience, transforming personal moments into universally resonant art. This collaboration underscores the Imperfectionism movement, where creative flaws are embraced as part of storytelling.

Marine Merindol, COO of Magnum Photos, praised the artists’ work and noted how Polaroid’s format helped bring added honesty to their stories. Running from November 7th–10th, the exhibition unites Magnum’s creative vision with Polaroid’s instant photography to capture authentic connections.