Paris Photo 2009 features 89 galleries and 13 publishers from 23 countries.
Van Leo, Sherihan actrice egyptienne, Le Caire Egypte (1976). Collection Fondation. Arabe pour l'image - Foundation 5/20
Paris Photo is a panoramic overview of photography spanning the 19th to the present, and features 89 galleries and 13 publishers from 23 countries. The international magnet for photography galleries and collectors is expected to attract 38,000 visitors between opening today and closing on Sunday.
This year, 31 first-time exhibitors and seven new countries will be represented (Iran, Lebanon, Morocco, Portugal, Russia, Tunisia, UAE) who, together with the usual attendees, will be carrying work by more than 500 international photographers.
One of the galleries beating a path to Paris is London's Photographers' Gallery, which is attending for a sixth consecutive year. Prior to their departure Pippa Jane Wielgos caught up with Gemma Barnett, the Gallery's Print Sales Manager, to get an English perspective on Paris Photo 2009.
How important is it for your gallery to attend this event?
Paris Photo is the central event of the year for photography around the world, so it offers us a great opportunity to meet new national and international clients as well as see our existing clients all in one place. We generally show around 6 to 10 artists on the walls – this year we are showing 24 works. We also take much more work in portfolios.
Any specific type of work or genre that sells at this event?
Paris Photo attracts a very broad spectrum of collectors, so some will be looking specifically for vintage works by well-known artists. Others will be looking for contemporary "new discoveries" and want to invest before the photographer really emerges onto the market. As with our department at The Photographers' Gallery in London, we aim to show a variety of work at a wide range of prices catering to new collectors as well as those with large, established photography collections.
Are there many special collectors or commissions which give rise to new business from this event for galleries?
Yes, a number of good collectors attend and, while we know a number of them already, it is always a great opportunity to meet new ones and develop new relationships.
Do you rotate works within your show?
No, not during Paris Photo, but each year we choose different art works and artists to keep our stand constantly fresh and exciting. Obviously there will always be photographers who sell very well, such as Lee Miller, but we are always keen to promote new photographic talent as well as the more established artists. We currently represent 47 artists.
On a general level, how much increased revenue do you get from attending the event?
Obviously it depends on the year and the overall climate but we always have an extremely positive result from participating at Paris Photo. It's also a great opportunity to raise awareness of the Gallery. All of the money we make from print sales goes back into the running of the Gallery – not many people are aware that we are a registered charity.
Has there been a slump in photo sales during the economic downturn?
Yes, but this has been the case across the arts and photography has been less affected than most mediums. However, we have started to notice things changing for the better in recent months. While our sales have stayed level, people have been buying more affordable artworks during the downturn. Photography is an extremely affordable medium.
Are these events profitable for galleries and artists?
Yes, in terms of awareness and publicity as well as purely financial reasons.
Which photographers will you be presenting at Paris Photo 2009?
We will be showing Indre Serpytyte, Simon Roberts, Chrystel Lebas, Vee Speers, Lee Miller, Audrey Corregan and Maurizio Anzeri. We are also taking most of our represented artists' portfolios. You can see images and more information on our artists online.
Paris Photo 2009 runs from November 19-22. Visit the festival online for more details.
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