Paris Photo returned to the Grand Palais from November 7 to 10 for its 27th edition, bringing together the most important galleries from around the world and the biggest names in photography. A total of 240 exhibitors from 34 countries participated, showcasing the current state of global photographic talent. From large-scale works to photographic series, and multidimensional pieces such as video installations and sculptures, this year’s event was marked by the diversity of voices and the variety of talent.
Celebrating the centenary of Surrealism, renowned American director and screenwriter Jim Jarmusch was invited to showcase the best of the surrealist movement with works from August Sander, Carmen Calvo, Daido Moriyama, David Hockney and more, which portrays the ongoing influence of the movement in past and present photography.
Embracing the digital transformation, curator Nina Roehrs selected 15 projects for the Digital section. The works of Evelyn Bencicova, Thibault Brunet, Tim Berresheim, Lorna Mills and more push the boundaries of photographic expression, probing the concept of imagery and its evolving definition in the digital realm, and creating a conversation around the transformation of contemporary visual culture, and the changing codes of artistry.
In partnership with France’s Ministry of Culture and Kering’s Women in Motion program and overseen by Raphaëlle Stopin, director of the Centre Photographique Rouen Normandie, the initiative Elles × Paris Photo showcases the work of women photographers and creates a platform for representation of women from all backgrounds. Increasing from 20% in 2018 to 38% this year, this program has shown the works of Andrea Gruetzner, Aurora Király, Camille Vivier, Lore Stessel, Sabiha Çimen giving a powerful boost to the female gaze and a platform to tell stories according to women.
This year’s Paris Photo was a tapestry of talent, where historical photographs merged with contemporary images, retracing the history of humanity and creativity and reaffirming the strong influence of photography in shaping our conception of art.
