Paris Photo Returns to Grand Palais Amidst Lingering Civil Unrest
Exhibitors navigate security concerns and economic protests during the prestigious photography fair.
1Fair Resumes Under Vigilance
Paris Photo has opened at the Grand Palais following the abrupt, unprecedented closure of Art Basel Paris just three weeks prior. Organizers are maintaining a state of high vigilance while monitoring ongoing civil unrest in the city. Despite previous disruptions, the fair continues to operate with 246 exhibitors present this year.
2Learning From Past Disruptions
Director Florence Bourgeois noted that the fair previously closed early during the 2015 terror attacks, leading to partial booth fee reimbursements. While current protests regarding living costs and school funding persist, organizers emphasize that safety remains the absolute priority. They are prepared to respond if the situation escalates beyond current peaceful demonstrations.
3Market Resilience and Pricing
Unlike the high-end contemporary art market, Paris Photo offers a more accessible price range, with items starting under $100. Despite a cooling global art market, top-quality photographic works maintain high valuations. Dealers report strong initial sales, suggesting that demand for photography remains robust despite the broader economic climate and social tensions.
4Distancing From Elite Connotations
Exhibitors believe Paris Photo holds a different image than other elite art fairs, often perceived as less synonymous with extreme wealth concentration. This perceived approachability is viewed as a strategic advantage as protesters demand greater social equality. Dealers argue that their presence supports the broader economy by providing visibility for artists.
5Notable High-Value Acquisitions
The fair features significant works, including a $1.11 million set of William Eggleston prints and a $500,000 André Kertész vintage print. Pace Gallery reported a strong opening day, attracting both existing clients and new collectors. These transactions demonstrate that significant capital continues to flow into the photography market despite local political instability.
6Evolution of Fair Programming
The event highlights a shift toward inclusivity, with women photographers now representing 38 percent of artists, up from 20 percent in 2018. Additionally, the Centre Pompidou is showcasing 100 newly acquired photographs. These programmatic changes reflect a broader effort to modernize the fair's offerings while maintaining its historical prestige and cultural relevance.
7Celebrating Two Centuries
Marking photography’s 200th anniversary, the fair displays a vast chronological range of works. Exhibits span from the world’s oldest known photograph, Joseph Nicéphore Niépce’s 1825 print, to contemporary experimental pieces by Alessandro Calabrese. This curation emphasizes the evolution of the medium from its technical origins to modern, painterly, and digital-influenced artistic expressions.
8Outlook for the Weekend
Despite lingering concerns regarding potential protests, dealers remain optimistic about the fair's conclusion. Many expect large crowds and long lines over the weekend, citing the deep public appreciation for photography in Paris. The industry continues to balance the realities of the local economic environment with the necessity of maintaining global operations.
Original article: ARTnews — Paris Photo Returns to Grand Palais Amidst Lingering Civil Unrest