Paris Photo

Paris Photo. It is a major international art fair dedicated exclusively to the medium of photography and moving image. Founded in 1997, it has become a pivotal annual event for collectors, curators, artists, and galleries, serving as a global marketplace and a platform for critical discourse. The fair is renowned for its rigorous selection of exhibitors, which includes leading galleries, publishers, and institutions from around the world.

History

The fair was established in 1997 by Dutch art dealer Rik Gadella, with the inaugural edition held at the Carrousel du Louvre under the patronage of the French Ministry of Culture. Its creation filled a significant gap in the art market, providing a dedicated platform for photography at a time when the medium was gaining substantial recognition within the contemporary art world. In 2007, the fair was acquired by the global events group Reed Exhibitions, which also organizes FIAC, solidifying its position within the international art calendar. A significant milestone was its move in 2011 to the iconic Grand Palais on the Champs-Élysées, greatly expanding its physical presence and prestige.

Description and format

The fair presents a curated selection of historical and contemporary photography, as well as video and new media, through a diverse range of sectors. The main gallery sector features modern and contemporary works presented by established international galleries, while the "Prismes" sector is dedicated to large-format and series-based works. A dedicated section for publishers and book dealers highlights photobooks and rare editions, fostering engagement with photographic publishing. The programming also includes curated exhibitions such as "Platform" for large-scale installations, a robust program of talks and panels in partnership with institutions like The Getty Museum, and prestigious awards like the Prix du Livre to honor outstanding publications.

Notable exhibitors and artists

Over the years, the fair has hosted a veritable who's who of the photography world, with galleries such as Gagosian Gallery, Marian Goodman Gallery, Fraenkel Gallery, and Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac regularly participating. It has provided a crucial showcase for seminal artists like William Klein, Hiroshi Sugimoto, Nan Goldin, and Vivian Maier, alongside contemporary practitioners such as Candida Höfer, Martin Parr, and Pieter Hugo. The publisher sector has featured influential houses like Steidl Verlag, Aperture Foundation, and RM Verlag, while institutions including the Victoria and Albert Museum and The Museum of Modern Art have presented special projects.

Impact and significance

The fair is widely credited with elevating the market and critical stature of photography, legitimizing it as a major collectible art form alongside painting and sculpture. It acts as an essential barometer for trends, from the resurgence of analog photography to the rise of digital and post-internet practices. By attracting major collectors like François Pinault and institutions such as the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, it significantly influences global acquisitions and museum collections. Furthermore, its programming fosters important dialogues on the ethics and future of the medium, intersecting with broader cultural discussions at venues like the Centre Pompidou and during events like the Rencontres d'Arles.

Editions and locations

The first thirteen editions (1997–2006, 2008) were held at the Carrousel du Louvre. From 2011 to 2019, it occupied the Grand Palais, becoming synonymous with that landmark venue. The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2021, the fair was held at the temporary Grand Palais Éphémère on the Champ de Mars while the Grand Palais underwent renovation for the 2024 Summer Olympics. It returned to the renovated Grand Palais in 2022. A sister fair, Paris Photo Los Angeles, was held briefly in the early 2000s, and the organization also stages the Paris Photo New York exhibition at the Park Avenue Armory.

Category:Art fairs Category:Photography in France Category:Recurring events established in 1997 Category:Culture in Paris