My first time at the annual Paris photo fair, the largest of its kind in the world. Overlooking the Eiffel tower, Paris Photo was as much a celebration of photography as it was a marketing event.
The range and quality of photography on show was extraordinarily diverse, ranging from ground-breaking contemporary ‘global’ photographers to more traditional favourites such as Cartier- Bresson, Frank, Eggleston and many, many, more.
A visual feast of over 150 top photo exhibitions and bookshops in one place can be overwhelming. Probably best to focus on a few select favourites rather than taking the total indulgence approach. Oh! and don’t forget the artists talks and signings.
Paris Photo lasts for 4 days and is open to 8.00pm on most days, so plenty of time to cover all areas.
Of course, the fair functions essentially as a market place and is a great place to purchase prints and books – particularly impressive was the quality and range of photo books on offer. It also functions as a networking event and has relaxed spaces and cafés for artists and friends to meet up.
Paris Photo is now a major photography event and Paris is such an appropriate location. The city that has named a tram stop after Diane Arbus also hosts a large number of photography galleries and major exhibitions and can justifiably claim to be the capital of European Photography. An unmissable feast of photography
Jon Leahy
Nov 2023
Above Image : Jean-Claude Gautrand, The Assassination of Baltard 1971
© Estate Jean-Claude Gautrand / Courtesy Les Douches la Galerie, Paris
Paris Photo 2024 returns to the Grand Palais next year between 7th – 10th November
