On July 26, 2004 the Lomographic Society International started a new action "100 years of lomography in Russia".
Lomography is an intrenational movement which unites admirers of the photo camera "LOMO-compact". The world lomographic community sums up the centenary of lomography in Russia of two components. Firstly, it's 10 years since the first lomographic exhibition was held in Russia. It took place in Moscow in 1994, and the first acquaintance of the Lomographic Society and LOMO also occurred there. Secondly, it's the 90th anniversary of LOMO, which the first Russian optic company celebrated this year. Thanks to special lomographic arithmetics a 100th jubilee appeared.
For this unusual date the Lomographic Society and LOMO prepared a series of events. Lomographers ordered at LOMO a lot of photo cameras (1000 pieces) with a special design. The cameras are covered with natural leather of mace colour, and a special emblem is glued to the back panel. This design is not accidental. Lomographers consider that it evokes associations with the well-known personages: Crocodile Gena and Dandy the Crocodile. Besides leather with which LOMO-compacts are covered resembles that of the crocodile. One can also remember that the first Russian cameras "Photokor" were also glued over with authentic leather.
The next surprise prepared by the Lomographic Society and LOMO for the jubilee is a new common project of creating a digital camera. An opportunity to make shots without film is quite vital for lomographers as many pictures taken by them are demonstrated in the Internet. The camera will be manufactured in China by the OPAL company, but the optics according to lomographers' opinion should by all means be made at LOMO. In April the Petersburg firm created three pilot samples of the objective, which were tested by lomographers for several months. At present the parameters of the lens are being improved to the required level. When all characteristics satisfy the customer LOMO will get a contract for regular production of the objectives. The Lomographic Society will sell the camera with a brand "LOMO - LCD", which means LOMO-compact-digital, with an engraving "Optics by LOMO" on the objective.
Another event devoted to the jubilee is the lomographic exhibition "LOMO@home". It was prepared by the Lomographic Society International with participation of the Lomographic Embassy in St. Petersburg and organizational support of the Federal Photography Centre. The exhibition will be open in the Central Exhibition Hall "Manege" from July 28 till August 5.
Despite a formidable date celebrated by the Lomographic Society International and LOMO, lomography as a direction of art and way of life remains young and dynamically developing. As the main motto of lomographers is "LOve and MOtion!". So there are new interesting projects ahead.
|