Paris photo

[darkosaric]

Hi all,

anybody coming? I will be there for a weekend (not sure yet Sunday or Saturday), so anybody wants to meed for a coffee in the evening this weekend in Paris?

http://www.parisphoto.com/

Regards,

 

[Trask]

I went to the event this morning, stayed over two hours and only saw about half of what there is to see. On the up side: lots of variety -- all periods, all styles. On the down side: perhaps so much variety it can be like over-eating at a smorgasbord. Some photographs - and their sale-ability, since this, after all, a venue to sell photographs -- were questions for me; it's obvious to me that there are genres of modern photography which do not resonate with me. I'll admit to being tempted by a Carl Mydans photo of Eugene Smith in a hospital bed with his head in bandages, but Euro 10,000 is much too much for me. Forget the Weston nude for Euro 160,000.

It's also a great show to look at the latest books, or purchase copies of older sought-after works (e.g., "Tulsa" by Larry Clark, early Russian photography, etc.). Among modern books, I really liked the new reprint of "Rich and Poor" http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&ALID=2K7O3RB0TS0F And there is a strong presence of Japanese photography and photographers, and books printed in Japan. Very refreshing.

Enjoy your visit, darkosaric -- as you'll be there on the weekend, I suggest you line up early as I imagine the Palais will fill quickly. Sorry I won't be around on the weekend.

 

[darkosaric]

Just returned yesterday - let me share my experience . I was there in Saturday, came early at 10 in the morning. Since they open at 12, I went to Petit Palais that was next to the Grand Palais where Paris photo was. Petit Palais is not small, it is very big, and full of interesting and beautiful art inside: from paintings, furniture, statue...and entrance is for free! You can see that Paris is crazy for art - this kind of amount of art in Germany would charge 10-15€ min:






Then I went to the muddy line and after half an hour (and 30€ of entrance fee) I was in the Paris photo. While waiting the line I witnessed huge amount of camera porn (99% super expensive digital), and lots of questions "are you photographer" and "amateur or pro"? Good that I put my M3 in the bag , so nobody looked or asked stupid questions.

On the Paris photo I noticed in comparison with last year that they are lot more emerging photographs, not only classics like Bresson, Koudelka, Brassai... This is a good sign. I had nice conversations with some artists and gallerists - how to promote your work, how to get wider audience ... some nice people I met there.

Also interesting is that one gallery had Miroslav Tichý prints, and they were selling new book from him .

Some Chinese gallery had silver gelatin prints of 2 meters in size. Many other galleries had digital prints on some huge watercolor paper with false polaroid 4x5 borders. Huge is in fashion right now.

One gallery had some book and prints what were made in Titarenko technique (multiple long - but not too long exposure - like in City of Shadows). When I asked the guy did he heard about Titarenko - he did not. Strange...

I met also Bruce Gilden . He was approached by some guy who asked to sign the book. He replayed that he hates this book, and he will not sign it . Then I came, and introduced myself and said "thank you for your work, it is very unique and nice", he thanked back, we shake hands, told me "you can do many different thinks with a camera". He was busy, and he went away with his companion . Nice and specific guy indeed.

General impression: huge, digital, colorful, expensive, modern. With some exceptions that were in minority.

 

[bjmc]

Very interesting report, thanks Darko!