After graduating with honours from Cambridge University, 1977–80, Polak did similarly from St Martin’s School of Art, 1985–8. She was included in London Institute Photography Show, Mall Galleries, 1986; Constitutional Journeys, Cahill and Grebler Gallery, and The Animal Show, The Young Unknowns Gallery, both 1987; and in Critics Space 5, Air Gallery, and East End Open Studios, at Deborah House, both 1989.