Paris Photo, a leading international art fair, is currently presenting a wide array of photographic works from galleries worldwide. This year's event highlights a range of artistic expressions and offers collectors pieces across various price points, from accessible prints to significant investments in established artists.
Key Takeaways
- Paris Photo features diverse photographic art from numerous international galleries.
- Galleries offer works across three main price categories: under €1,000, €1,000-€2,000, and over €5,000.
- Artists like Chieko Shiraishi and Rinko Kawauchi are represented by Galerie écho 119.
- England & Co showcases works by Vlatka Horvat, Johnny Dewe-Mathews, and Victoria Halford.
- Einspach & Czapolai Fine Art and Tanit focus on higher-priced photographic art.
A Glimpse into the Diverse Offerings
The fair serves as a crucial platform for galleries to present their curated selections. This year, many exhibitors have structured their offerings to cater to a broad spectrum of collectors, from those seeking entry-level pieces to seasoned investors looking for major works.
One notable approach involves categorizing works by price: less than €1,000, between €1,000 and €2,000, and above €5,000. This strategy helps visitors navigate the extensive collection and find pieces that align with their budget and interests.
Did You Know?
The global art market was valued at approximately $67.8 billion in 2022, with photography making up a significant, growing segment of this market. Art fairs like Paris Photo are vital to this ecosystem.Spotlight on Emerging and Established Artists
Several galleries have shared their featured artists and their pricing structures, providing a clear picture of the market. Galerie écho 119 from France, for example, presents a diverse selection.
For collectors seeking works under €1,000, Galerie écho 119 offers an untitled albumen print by Chieko Shiraishi. This unique piece, signed by the artist on the back, measures 14x9 cm and is available for €400 unframed. It represents an accessible entry point into collecting original photography.
Mid-Range Acquisitions and Noteworthy Pieces
In the €1,000 to €2,000 category, Galerie écho 119 features Undercovers by Maude Arsenault. This photographic giclée print on Fuji fine art photo rag 300 gsm measures 18x24cm and is priced at €1,000 unframed. It exemplifies contemporary photographic printing techniques.
England & Co from the United Kingdom also participates in this price bracket. They showcase a portrait of David Hockney from 1972 by Johnny Dewe-Mathews, priced at £1,200, which converts to approximately €1,350. This offers a chance to acquire a piece by a renowned photographer depicting an iconic artist.
"The strategic pricing by galleries at Paris Photo allows both new and experienced collectors to engage with the art market effectively," a market analyst observed, highlighting the fair's broad appeal.
Investing in High-Value Photography
For those looking to invest in more significant works, the fair presents numerous options above €5,000. Galerie écho 119 includes an untitled piece from the series Illuminance by Rinko Kawauchi. This editioned work, signed on the back, measures 101x101 cm and is priced at €7,100 unframed. Kawauchi is known for her distinctive style that captures the beauty in everyday moments.
The Significance of Editioned Prints
Editioned prints are photographs produced in a limited number, often signed and numbered by the artist. This limitation increases their value and desirability in the art market compared to open-edition prints.England & Co features a prominent work by Vlatka Horvat titled Monuments 2018, available for £16,000 (approximately €18,000). They also offer Sugar 2010 by Victoria Halford for £750 (approximately €850), showcasing a range within their collection.
Some galleries specialize exclusively in higher-value pieces. Einspach & Czapolai Fine Art from Hungary, for instance, does not offer photographs below €5,000. Their selection includes Sitting Bear (near Zărnești) by Tamas Dezsö (1978), priced at €5,000. This piece reflects a focus on established artists and significant photographic works.
Exclusive Offerings from Specialized Galleries
Similarly, Tanit from Lebanon focuses on works starting from €2,000. Their collection features Artica 3 by Giulio Rimondi, from 2019, priced at €2,750. They also present The Other Day MVI by Sonja Braas, from 2025, which carries a price tag of €18,000. These selections represent contemporary photography with a strong artistic vision.
- Einspach & Czapolai Fine Art: Specializes in works over €5,000, featuring artists like Tamas Dezsö.
- Tanit: Offers pieces starting from €2,000, including works by Giulio Rimondi and Sonja Braas.
- Galerie écho 119: Provides options across all price ranges, from Chieko Shiraishi to Rinko Kawauchi.
- England & Co: Showcases a spectrum from Victoria Halford at £750 to Vlatka Horvat at £16,000.
The variety of galleries participating, from Bruno Tartarin and Camera Obscura to Equinox and Esther Woerdehoff, ensures a rich and diverse experience for attendees. Each gallery brings its unique perspective and roster of artists, contributing to the overall vibrancy of Paris Photo.
The event underscores the dynamic nature of the photography market, appealing to a wide audience. From collectors making their first purchase to those adding to established collections, Paris Photo continues to be a central event for the global photography community.