What you need to know about Paris Photo 2019

Hot on the heels of the FIAC is another fair taking place at the Grand Palais this autumn! Paris Photo is the world’s largest international art fair dedicated solely to photography, and will welcome leading figures from the art world from Thursday 7th to Sunday 10th November 2019. Read on for all that you need to know about Paris Photo 2019!

#1 Paris Photo : The Big Picture

Paris Photo was founded in 1977 with the aim of promoting and supporting photography, as well as the galleries, artists and publishers who play such an important part in it. It has everything you could wish for: impeccably curated exhibitions, world-renowned artists and galleries, awards, events and discussions with critics, collectors and professional photographers.

Each year the fair emphasises the diversity and quality of art on display, as well as its creators. Indeed, artists include both modern masters and young emerging talents. Furthermore, the works exhibited span nearly 2 centuries and are from all four corners of the world. 

Paris Photo : A Better Perspective

The fair is divided up into various sections: Main, Book, Prismes, Curiosa, Film and the Platform.

In the Book section, find rare special editions from publishers and art book dealers. You can also attend book launches and signing sessions (over 300 of them!) by some of the biggest names in photography. Curiosa is dedicated to emerging artists. After its inauguration last year, curated by Martha Kirszenbaum, we are looking forward to this year’s curator Osei Bonsu’s exploration of the relationship between photography and the physical world.

The Platform provides talks on photography, art and publishing from artists and professionals, and round the table discussions with art historians, journalists and even philosophers. Look out for talks by renowned Japanese photographer Mari Katayama, as well as the director of the Maison Européenne de la Photographie, Simon Baker. 

Paris Photo : In Focus

In store this November is a stellar programme. Be sure to check out solo shows by Vik Muniz, Man Ray, Namsa Leuba, renowned British photographer Tim Walker, and Juergen Teller’s ‘I Love Paris’, as well as what Xippas Gallery and Gallery Guillaume have to offer in the Prismes section. Also featured is the New York Times’ exhibition on the consequences of climate change, ‘Carbon’s Casualties’, shot over four years by the Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer Josh Haner – not to be missed.

And finally, the event is also running a brilliant platform for student photographers. Carte Blanche Students 2019 will see four students selected from over 200 leading European photography schools exhibit at Gare du Nord and the Grand Palais, aiding the exposure of young emerging talent.

Paris Photo : Oh Snap

Can’t make it to the real deal? Don’t worry! The fair’s ‘In Paris During Paris Photo’ programme features some of the finest photographic collections Paris has to offer – and not just photos of Paris. Perfect for exploring the capital and its extensive cultural institutions and exhibitions. Or, if you aren’t in the country, wait until Paris Photo New York 2020!

Rates: General admission weekday 30€; General admission weekend 32€; After work entry (Thursday-Saturday) 25€; Reduced admission (Student) 15€; Cloakroom 2€ per item. Available here.

Hours: From Thursday to Saturday 12-8pm; Sunday 12-7pm

Find the complete Paris Photo programme here.

You might also like