This is my 3rd visit to Paris Photo. This annual photography fair manages to bring together some of the world's most important galleries and photographers under one setting. The exhibitions are open to the public from November 10th-13th and cost 25 euros.This year, the focus is on African photography where many galleries display works from around the continent.
New media plays a significant role as well. Many photos are actually light installations and also interactive or 3-D. Some exhibitions are 3-D photos or as in the photo picture of the bottles, include the actual props.
Visiting this fair brings some interesting questions to mind on the topic of photography:
1) Who decides what is good photography?
2) Do the art investors affect the outcome of what or how the photographers produce?
3) Why are poor Africans depicted in beautifully contrasted and artistic scenes (many times living in miserable poverty) a reccuring theme and commodity for rich european buyers?
There are many more questions that come to mind. Perhaps everyone can make up their own mind.
I come to the fair because it is a good overview of the photo art industry. As a photographer myself, it is inspiring to see beautiful photos. It is also intimidating to see photos which you can never image doing yourself. At the same time, as in any contemporary art, you see photos which you can imaged are being exhibited and sold for thousands of euros. So this is also inspiration in a sense.
In addition to the exhibitions, publishers, and book signing--this year includes many "live programs" and an opportunity for young photographers to show their portfolios and network.
