FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
San Francisco, CA – July 17, 2025
Artist duo Lucas Buick and Ryan Dorshorst, founders of Hipstamatic, the pioneering mobile photography brand, proudly announce the launch of The Last Camera Project, a groundbreaking mobile app and global participatory art initiative. Available now on iPhone and iPad, the project invites users worldwide to capture a single, meaningful photograph that answers the question: What one image captures the heart of who you are? These photos will form a digital mosaic, culminating in a stunning physical exhibition at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2025.
In an era of digital overload, The Last Camera Project redefines photography by challenging users to distill their identity, emotions, or values into one intentional image. Inspired by iconic participatory art projects like Yoko Ono’s Wish Tree and JR’s Inside Out Project, the initiative transforms the iPhone into a canvas for global storytelling, fostering connection and celebrating shared humanity.
“Photography has become endless, but meaning can get lost in the noise,” said the artist duo. “The Last Camera Project invites everyone to pause, reflect, and share a single image that matters. Together, we’re creating a timeless artwork that captures the essence of who we are in 2025.”
Building on Hipstamatic’s legacy since 2009, The Last Camera Project merges cutting-edge technology with the brand’s vintage-inspired ethos. Leveraging iOS Camera APIs, proprietary filter algorithms, and secure cloud storage via Apple Cloudkit, the app delivers a seamless, privacy-conscious experience. Users can trust their photos are protected with encryption and clear consent options, aligning with Apple’s stringent privacy standards. The app also provides authenticity of the human eye ensuring no generative-AI is used.
The Last Camera Project is more than an app—it’s a movement. Early participants have already contributed hundreds of photos, reflecting diverse stories from every corner of the globe. With a goal of 1 million submissions by year’s end, the project aims to democratize art, making it accessible to anyone with an iPhone, regardless of background or artistic skill.
The project’s reveal at Art Basel Miami Beach in December 2025 will showcase the digital mosaic as a physical installation, positioning it alongside the world’s most prestigious contemporary art. Future aspirations include additional exhibitions in New York, London, and Tokyo, as well as educational outreach to inspire the next generation of creators.