The 27th edition of Paris Photo, the world’s premier art fair dedicated to photography, just concluded a remarkable run at the iconic Grand Palais in Paris. Held from November 7 to 10, 2024, this year’s fair was an homage to the timeless allure of photography, bringing together some of the industry’s most visionary artists, curators, and galleries from around the globe. From groundbreaking digital installations to historic works that shaped the course of photography, Paris Photo 2024 was a vibrant showcase of both innovation and legacy.
Highlights of the Fair: A Global Tapestry of Art
This year, Paris Photo welcomed 240 exhibitors from 34 countries, providing a global platform for both emerging talent and established names. The fair’s Principal Section featured 147 galleries with a rich blend of solo shows, group exhibitions, and thematic installations, showcasing a spectrum of photographic art that included everything from traditional analog prints to cutting-edge digital explorations.
One of the most anticipated highlights was the “Voices” section — a new addition that aimed to spotlight diverse perspectives from regions like Latin America and Eastern Europe. Curated by prominent figures Elena Navarro, Azu Nwagbogu, and Sonia Voss, “Voices” was a captivating exploration of identity, resistance, and the evolving language of photography across cultural and political landscapes.
A Centenary Tribute to Surrealism and Robert Frank
2024 marks the 100th anniversary of two iconic forces in the art world: Surrealism and Robert Frank. In celebration of Surrealism’s lasting impact, acclaimed American filmmaker Jim Jarmusch was invited to curate a collection inspired by the movement. His selections offered a unique blend of experimental imagery and narrative photography, capturing the dreamlike essence of Surrealism that continues to influence contemporary artists today.
In tandem with this, the fair honored Robert Frank’s centenary with a retrospective that paid homage to his groundbreaking work. Exhibited across several galleries, Frank’s photographs reminded viewers of the power of visual storytelling to capture cultural nuances and moments of everyday life. Steidl Publishing also presented a special exhibition dedicated to Frank’s photobooks, reinforcing his legacy as one of photography’s most influential voices.
Pushing Boundaries with Digital and Experimental Art
In recent years, Paris Photo has emerged as a pioneering platform for digital art within the photography realm. This year, the Digital Section, curated by Nina Roehrs, expanded its exploration of new media, showcasing works that delve into the intersections of technology and photography. This sector featured 15 galleries presenting installations, video art, and digital compositions, allowing visitors to witness firsthand how digital innovation is reshaping the photographic landscape.
Adding to the excitement, Paris Photo partnered with the Lumen Prize to launch a new €5,000 award for excellence in digital art. This partnership underscored the fair’s commitment to recognizing the creative potential of artists who are redefining visual storytelling through technology.
Empowering Women in Photography: Elles × Paris Photo
Paris Photo has been an advocate for gender diversity in the arts, and this year’s edition highlighted this commitment through the Elles × Paris Photo initiative. In collaboration with Kering’s Women in Motion program, the fair provided financial support to galleries that champion the work of women photographers, elevating their voices in an industry that has historically underrepresented them.
Thanks to this initiative, the fair featured an increased representation of women artists, growing from 20% in 2018 to 38% in 2024. Through Elles × Paris Photo, viewers had the chance to engage with groundbreaking works that explored identity, gender, and the female gaze.
In-Depth Conversations, Workshops, and an Educational Experience for All Ages
Alongside its exhibitions, Paris Photo offered a dynamic program of artist talks, panel discussions, and workshops. Film director Jim Jarmusch joined Philippe Azoury in a fascinating conversation about the influence of Surrealism on his cinematic work, while photography experts held a dialogue on Robert Frank’s contributions to both photography and publishing. Conversations around the role of digital media in contemporary art and the growing impact of women in photography enriched the experience, bringing valuable insights into the ongoing evolution of the medium.
For younger audiences, Paris Photo introduced the “L is for Look” program, a children’s photobook exhibition designed to educate and inspire a new generation of photography enthusiasts. Co-produced by the Institut pour la Photographie and Photo Elysée, this exhibition is set to tour Europe, providing an interactive space for children to explore the history and possibilities of visual storytelling.
Looking Ahead: The Lasting Impact of Paris Photo 2024
As the curtains closed on Paris Photo 2024, it left an indelible mark on the art world, setting a new standard for what an art fair can accomplish. By bridging the gap between history and technology, championing diversity, and fostering educational outreach, Paris Photo once again proved its role as a vanguard of the photographic arts. This year’s edition celebrated not just the art form’s past, but also its future, creating a space where tradition met transformation under the historic glass dome of the Grand Palais.
In a city known for its artistic heritage, Paris Photo 2024 offered visitors a memorable journey through the evolving landscape of photography. As the countdown begins for the next edition, art lovers and collectors alike are already looking forward to discovering what the future holds for this timeless medium.
