Sunday, December 7; 1pm to 4pm

Instructor: Mohammed Shamma

xperience the magic of transforming instant photographs into delicate works of art by lifting and transferring Polaroid images onto watercolor paper.

In this hands-on workshop, artist Mohammed Shamma will introduce you to the world of Polaroid photography, from classic cameras to today’s Polaroid films and the innovative Polaroid Lab printer. You’ll learn how to turn cell phone images into Polaroid prints using the Lab app, and you’ll also have the chance to experiment with traditional Polaroid cameras.

Through guided demonstrations, you’ll create your own emulsion lifts by immersing Polaroid prints in water, carefully separating the fragile image layer, and transferring it onto watercolor paper. This unique process produces ethereal, one-of-a-kind artworks that highlight the beauty of imperfection and chance.

All materials are provided. Several Polaroid cameras will be available, but participants are welcome to bring their own.

Over the past decade, Mohammed has returned to analog photography as a way of reconnecting with craft and materiality. His work often employs unconventional surfaces, including papyrus, to explore the intersection of his Egyptian heritage with contemporary travel, landscape, and street photography. He invites viewers to reflect on how we perceive artifacts, museums, and archaeological sites through our globally connected lenses. Mohammed works across multiple image-transfer and printing techniques—including inkjet, dye sublimation, thermal transfer, cyanotype, and Polaroid emulsion lifts—and is currently focused on the intricacies of carbon transfer printing.

Instagram: @popiris_studios.

Fee: MarinMOCA Members: $120; Non-members $140

Materials Fee: An additional materials fee of $15 will be paid to the instructor

Where: Marin Museum of Contemporary Art, 1210 Fifth Avenue, San Rafael (at B Street)