Instant Gratification

A modest display.

One hundred Polaroids, peppered across the walls of a small, dimly lit room, may not seem impressive on first glance.

Ivan Riascos, an artist whose emphasis is on photography, presents a study of time through 100 days in Polaroids.

The 4-by-5 mini-canvasses are filled with images of the everyday — the sky, clouds, sunsets or trees.

But among the simple pictures aimed to display how mundane 100 days can really be were a few recognizable images that capture the viewer's attention.

A brightly lit up 7-Eleven sign, a Coca-Cola can and the unquestionable sighting of SpongeBob SquarePants emerge to bring a sense of familiarity and nostalgia to the display.

Riascos has chosen to host his first show in Florida, titled "100 Days In a Blink of an Eye," at Stardust Coffee and Video in Winter Park among the laid-back, coffee-sipping hipsters that frequent the venue.

"The Stardust was so cute, I loved the whole atmosphere," freshman Melissa Weinstein said. "There were good vibes … and I especially loved it because it had a photo booth."

Stardust screams postmodern, with an eclectic array of anything considered art on the walls.  The venue also boasts a stage for bands to play on, dozens of videos to choose from and a wide selection of beer and food. 

"The art show was smaller than I imagined, but it was cool and unique, especially because I'm all about Polaroids," Weinstein said.

Along with the Polaroids lined against the wall was a white sheet of paper that had been taped up. The paper began by explaining that this project was inspired by two different experiences.

 Riascos said that Korean culture was part of the inspiration for his project.

"In Korea, teenagers celebrate the first 100 days of a relationship, as in dating. All Koreans also celebrate 100 days of the baby's birth," he explained.

He said that listening to the song "100 Days, 100 Nights" by Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings further influenced the project.

"[Listening to the song] made me think about the importance of time and how when you look forward to 100 days it seems like it takes a long time to reach," Riascos said

According to the artist, Polaroids were chosen instead of normal photographs because of how personal a Polaroid photo can be.

"I was aiming for a one on one feel," he said. "Polaroids you always feel connected somehow. It's a very small photo. It brings you closer, and it's more personal."

Riascos aims to demonstrate things we can all relate to. There is no symbolism involved, just memories, experiences and instances of life all out of order.

"It shows how you remember things," Riascos said. "You don't remember things consecutively, you remember snippets."

"100 Days In a Blink of an Eye" is free and the exhibit runs until June 30 at Stardust Coffee and Video.