For its 32nd edition, the annual trade fair organized by the Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD) follows the evolution of photography and its market. From March 29 through April 2 in New York, the market bubble of the past few years will inevitably remain. Whether it be rare 19th century prints, photography’s most glorious pictures, icons of pop culture from the middle of the past century or the contemporary work from the 1980’s that provoked the boom, its popularity too.
But don’t be mistaken: acquiring an image signed by Cartier-Bresson, Walker Evans or Diane Arbus, even their most renowned, will always cost much less than a picture by Cindy Sherman or Andreas Gursky. Sometimes even 5 times less.
Regrouping some of the most prestigious galleries, AIPAD exposes nearly all of the world’s artists. Beyond the masters, from Steichen to Weston, including Talbot or Levitt, one can find more contemporary talents including Linda Mc Cartney, Alex Prager, Jeff Wall or Nan Goldin. Impossible to ignore another evolution, that of the portrait, a photographic medium omnipresent in contemporary Western visual culture, from magazines to art galleries. Celebrities, rock stars, movie stars: all have a special place on the white walls of the AIPAD. For the wealthy buyer, a picture by Philip-Lorca diCorcia could cost more than $45 000 at the David Zwirner gallery, while other visitors could head to Steven Kasher’s gallery to purchase an image of the Wall Street protestors signed by Accra Shepp for $60. Whether one comes to invest or just to admire, AIPAD remains a beautiful showcase for photography.
Jonas Cuénin
AIPAD 2012
From March 29 to April 2, 2012
643 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10065
