A retrospective of photographer Donna Trope’s most striking polaroids is set to captivate art enthusiasts in Paris. Known for her bold and conceptual imagery, Trope has long challenged societal norms surrounding femininity. Her work, exhibited at the Carole Lambert Gallery until September 24th, 2025, features over 25,000 unseen snapshots that delve into themes of beauty, irony, and hyperfemininity. Through these intimate photographs, Trope offers a glimpse into her creative process and the evolution of her unique visual style.

Unveiling Donna Trope's Visual Universe

In the heart of Paris, amidst the bustling streets of the Marais district, the Carole Lambert Gallery opens its doors to showcase Donna Trope’s lesser-known side. The exhibition, titled POLAROIDS, spans from June 6th to September 24th, 2025, presenting an extensive collection of previously unpublished works. These polaroids, taken as part of Trope’s meticulous preparation for editorial shoots, reveal raw and unfiltered moments captured during her career.

Trope, a self-taught artist hailing from Los Angeles, gained prominence in the 1990s with her daring approach to fashion and beauty photography. Her images, featured in prestigious publications like Vogue and i-D, as well as collaborations with luxury brands such as Givenchy and Dior, have redefined modern aesthetics. In this exhibit, visitors will encounter polaroids that explore themes ranging from natural beauty products to societal pressures like Botox and dieting trends.

One notable piece showcases a model adorned with leaves, symbolizing the organic evolution of skincare. Another highlights the dichotomy between natural and artificial beauty through contrasting makeup techniques. Each photograph tells a story, inviting viewers to ponder the complexities of contemporary femininity.

The curation, led by Fany Dupêchez, ensures that each polaroid resonates with Trope’s signature style—provocative yet polished, challenging yet captivating. This exhibition not only celebrates Trope’s artistic legacy but also invites reflection on how far the industry has come since her early days of using polaroids as essential tools.

From black-and-white studies of light and shadow to colorful explorations of texture and form, every detail in Trope’s work reflects her dedication to perfection. As she explains, “A Polaroid was never just a rough draft; it was an integral part of the process.”

This sensory journey through Trope’s archives promises to inspire both seasoned admirers and newcomers alike, offering a deeper understanding of her groundbreaking contributions to visual culture.

Donna Trope’s POLAROIDS exhibition runs at the Carole Lambert Gallery, located at 81 Rue du Temple in Paris’s 3rd arrondissement.

Through this exhibition, Donna Trope challenges us to reconsider our perceptions of beauty. Her work serves as a reminder that beneath the surface lies a complex interplay of artistry, intention, and societal critique. By presenting these rarely seen polaroids, Trope invites viewers to appreciate not only the final product but also the intricate steps leading to its creation. Ultimately, her art encourages us to embrace ambiguity and question established norms—a timeless lesson in an ever-evolving world.