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Spotlight on Paris Photo Week 2024

From November 7 to 10, the 27th edition of Paris Photo took place, an internationally renowned fair established as a grand tribute to photographic art, its key figures, and new experimenters. A complex network of diverse roots and aesthetics was enriched by a series of events and micro-sectors, all based on pure creative interaction. Adding to this was the Parisian setting, animated by numerous initiatives focused on photography, cinema, and more, hosted by prominent venues such as Dover Street Market Paris and more.

Shortly after Art Basel, the 27th edition of Paris Photo was held in the same prestigious exhibition space in Paris: Grand Palais. The fair welcomed around 240 exhibitors, creating a dense network of galleries and “white cubes” that contributed to a monumental tribute to photography. Paris Photo originated as a fair dedicated to celebrating and continuously exploring photographic art. Its structure reflects a journey through the roots and history of photography, evolving with a contemporary outlook and projecting towards a future of new tools, technologies, and experimentation. It offers a timeless, boundary-free path; there is no strict order or unified aesthetic, but rather a multiplicity of expressive visions that pay homage to those who have dedicated their lives to photography as an art form.

The fair was structured as a genuine cultural hub, born from the interaction and support of foundations, cultural centres, and international promoters. Surrounding the main exhibition nucleus were stands and spaces dedicated to the dissemination and collection of photography books, as well as artist talks, discussions, and book-signing sessions. A rich programme provided the public with opportunities to engage with leading professionals and figures in the field.

The variety and diversity of the exhibits covered every facet of photography, ranging from different historical periods to diverse chromatic themes and exhibition styles. Some galleries opted for solo shows, while others presented collective exhibitions, offering a wide artistic spectrum that immersed viewers in a limitless visual universe. The meticulous selection of works paid tribute to photography, exploring new territories and possibilities.

“This system seamlessly blended history, tradition, and innovation, charting new creative frontiers”

Evelyn Bencicova & Enes Güç – ARTEMIS
Jonathan-Sullam – bBacqueville
Gyorgy Kepes – Bruce Silverstein
Miguel Rio – Branco Paci
Irving Penn- Michael Hoppen
Ishiuchi Miyako – The Third Gallery Aya

Among the key themes was Elles × Paris Photo, organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and supported by Kering’s Women in Motion programme. This initiative explored the role and contribution of women in photography, a topic of increasing importance in a social context that continues to address issues of sexism. Another significant area was dedicated to emerging talents and the new frontiers of contemporary photography. For the eighth consecutive year, talents from over 100 European universities were selected, with their works exhibited to showcase the fertile “new grounds” of photography.

A particularly striking highlight of this edition was the contribution of multidisciplinary artist and filmmaker Jim Jarmusch. In celebration of the centenary of Surrealism, Jarmusch curated a personal selection of exhibited works and participated in an open conversation with the public. The fair also screened Return to Reason, a recently restored film by Man Ray, for which Jarmusch composed an original soundtrack.

As Florence Bourgeois, director of Paris Photo, stated: “Surrealism finds a unique resonance in the selection curated for the fair, fostering a dialogue between cinema, music, and visual art.” This quote perfectly encapsulates the spirit that animated Paris throughout the event. Numerous cultural centres, galleries, and exhibition spaces reinforced their presence with connected initiatives, transforming Paris into a vibrant cultural hub.

“Surrealism finds a unique resonance in the selection curated for the fair, fostering a dialogue between cinema, music, and visual art”

Carmen Calvo Ella ha sido hallado – 2003 – Luis Adelantado
Camille Vivier – Candle (key), 2021 – 2021 MADÉ
Carmen Calvo – Luis Adelantado
Claude Cahun – Michael Hoppen

Even Dover Street Market, a recent addition to the Parisian scene, served as a focal point, hosting multicultural events featuring some of the most influential names in the worlds of art, photography, film, and fashion. In celebration of Paris Photo, the store hosted a series of book launches and photography premieres, offering opportunities for direct interaction with the artists. Among the highlights were events featuring Norbert Schoerner and the new book by Lotta Volkova and Moni Haworth, providing enthusiasts with chances to expand their collections and engage more closely with the creators.

As for the cinematic element, alongside the previously mentioned initiatives, the 16th edition of ASVOFF (A Shaded View on Fashion Film) was held at the DVM headquarters. Founded by Diane Pernet, an iconic figure and pioneer in the realms of visual and linguistic expression, the festival stands out as a truly unique event. Initially a photographer, then a designer, fashion blogger, critic, and video journalist, Diane Pernet created the first film festival dedicated to fashion, beauty, and stylistic experimentation 16 years ago. This year’s edition showcased a selection of works by both emerging talents and established professionals, offering an insight into contemporary creativity.

The works were evaluated by a jury of experts, presided over by Michèle Lamy, with members including Elias Medini (Ly.as), Bina Daigeler, Bob Recine, Fanny Fragu, Loane, Matt Lambert, Matthieu Orléan, Harry Goaz, Jay Jay Johanson, Steve Olson, Pascal K Douglas, Fecal Matter, and Sylvie Lancrenon. The festival featured contributions from creators across the globe, categorised into various subcategories and thematic sections. The event structure included an opening ceremony, four days of screenings open to the public (with ticket purchase), and a final evening dedicated to awards and closure. ASVOFF reaffirmed its commitment to free expression, aiming to break traditional taboo and foster new creative horizons.

During this week, Paris transformed into a veritable solar system, with a solid central nucleus surrounded by countless expressive entities orbiting around it. This system seamlessly blended history, tradition, and innovation, charting new creative frontiers and offering a glimpse into the endless facets of contemporary art.

Lotta Volkova-Moni Haworth x DSMP
Lotta Volkova-Moni Haworth x DSMP
ASVOFF – DSM
ASVOFF – DSM
Diane Pernet – Asvoff
ASVOFF – DSM

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Credits:

Fair: Paris Photo 2024 / @parisphotofair
Venue: Gran Palais / @le_grand_palais
Cinema event: Asvoff / @asvoff_official  Asvof / @asvof
Venue: Dover Street Market Paris / @doverstreetmarketparis
Words: Annalisa Fabbrucci / @annalisa_fabbrucci
Editor: Maria Abramenko  / @mariabramenko

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