Paris Photo, the world’s premier art fair dedicated to photography, makes a grand return for its 26th edition, promising a jam-packed schedule in the heart of the French capital.
From November 9 to 12, 2023, the Grand Palais Ephémère will play host to 191 participants collectively showcasing the very best of the photographic medium.
As was the case last year, the fair will feature the Main Sector, consisting of 133 galleries from 21 different countries, showcasing works that span the full spectrum of photography, from historical masterpieces to groundbreaking creations by emerging artists.
The Curiosa sector, curated by the new Paris Photo Artistic Director, Ana Planas, focuses on emerging art and highlights 17 artists making their Paris Photo debut, whilst the Publisher’s sector also makes its return, with 35 participants from around the world.
In an exciting development, a new sector solely dedicated to digital photography has been introduced. Curated by Nina Roehrs, the founder of Swiss Gallery Roehrs & Boetsch, this sector brings together galleries and platforms that explore the intersection of art and new technologies in photography. Additionally, the Elles x Paris Photo initiative returns, featuring a special curated path by Fiona Rogers, showcasing the work of 36 artists from various galleries at the fair, alongside a series of engaging talks and conversations.
Among the highlights of the 20 solo and 6 duo shows are new works by Samuel Fosso, widely recognized as one of Africa’s most influential contemporary artists and the winner of this year’s Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize, presented by Paris’ Christophe Person Gallery, and London’s Photographer’s Gallery will showcase“Mystery Street,” the latest project by Vasantha Yogananthan.
There’s also an exploration of the photographic diaries of the 1970s brought to you by La Patinoire Royale Galerie Valérie Bach in Brussels, and Miyako Yoshinaga Gallery in New York. The daily self-portraits of American photographer Melissa Shook are presented in tandem with Ken Ohara’s 365-diary, a fascinating project wherein the Japanese photographer paired self-portraits with landscapes, figures, or still-life shots, offering a unique perspective of his daily life, both inward and outward.
The fair’s 101 group shows encompass a diverse array of offerings, including presentations of iconic masters and pioneering artists, from Man Ray and Bill Cunningham to Dakota Mace and Sarah Sense, presented by NYC’s Bruce Silverstein Gallery. In neighbouring exhibition spaces, Paris‘ Jean Kenta Gauthier and New York’s Hans P. Kraus engage in a compelling conversation titled “Is the Future in the Past”, pairing 19th-century photographs with early 20th-century and contemporary imagery.
Returning for the 6th time, the Curiosa sector welcomes 16 different galleries from 9 countries, with 17 debutant artists. While there is no specific theme, the artists were selected for their innovative forms of collaboration. The program will include an interactive exhibition, where Vivian Galban will offer to take portraits of visitors using a camera obscura, allowing attendees to become a part of the art.
At the heart of the fair, the Edition sector will feature 35 French publishers and booksellers, offering previews of launches, rare and limited editions, and 300 signing sessions with some of the most prominent names in contemporary photography, serving as a space to view and admire photography as well as to acquire unique and limited-edition pieces.
Lastly, the Digital sector will make its debut, featuring a selection of nine contemporary art galleries and curated platforms at the forefront of new technologies, presenting artists who seamlessly integrate digital realities into their work, offering visitors a glimpse into the future of the ever-evolving world of photography.
The 26th edition of Paris Photo will run from NOV 09-12 2023. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit their website.
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