Erwin Polanc: 8820 +/-

8820 /- by Erwin Polanc Erwin Polanc is an austrian photographer based in Graz. Besides working on his own projects he is teaching photography at the Ortweinschule in Graz. Erwin Polanc’s images have own precise style but they are casual at the same time, bringing out the subject with clear and soothing tones. Being in a constant search of photographic inspiration Ervin returns to his roots at the end. His photographic project 8820 /- is dedicated to his hometown Neumarkt in Styria, Austria. 8820 is the postal code of the town, while the plus and minus identifies the neighboring communities where also photos have been shot. "Neumarkt belongs to the district of Murau and counts about 1.800 inhabitants – with a downtrend. By this distance he was able to explore the village of his childhood and youth in a new (photographic) way. The rural cosmos is simple and plain: volunteer fire brigade, brass-band, soccer and cars. The natural spa of the village, the „Naturbad“ – a highlight. In the series E. Polanc takes up a neutral position. He is interested in stagnation, which often takes place in such conditions, but also gives attention to the search for identity in this neatly arranged environment." Words: Ulrich Rüter, Thisispaper Photography: Erwin Polanc