Pictures saturate our world, from selfies to social posts, advertisements, and commercial content – the medium has undergone true democratisation. It’s a reflection of our current era, capturing opinions and aspects of contemporary life. Meeting the increasing demand for this visual language is The Photography Show, presented by The Association of International Photography Art Dealers (AIPAD), the longest-running and leading fair dedicated to photography. The 43rd edition returns to its previous home, the Park Avenue Armory in New York for the first time since 2016. From 25 – 28 April, 77 exhibitors from around the world unveil an exciting mix of work that reflects a dynamic and diverse understanding of the image-medium. A series of critical conversations are also on offer, including talks by luminaries Dawoud Bey, Nathalie Herschdorfer, Vera Lutter and Ivan Shaw, as well as an exhibition on renowned American artist and fashion photographer Deborah Turbeville. In this round-up, we highlight five galleries and artists to check out, from the elegant landscapes of Carl Corey to the poignant documentary work of Rania Matar.
Galerie Catherine et André Hug | Carl Corey
This Parisian art gallery specialises in American contemporary photography, with a particular focus on classic documentary style images. Artists on display include German-Brazilian photographer Mona Kuhn known for her large-scale images on the human form, as well as Guggenheim Fellow in Photography Carl Corey, recognised for his images that evoke the serene worlds of Joel Sternfeld. Shown here is a picture of a blue hut peacefully overlooking Lake Ontario, taken in the neighbourhood of Shadigee, Orleans County.
Koslov Larsen | Margeaux Walter
This year, fine art photographer Margeaux Walter was shortlisted for the Aesthetica Art Prize. In her series Don’t Be a Square (2021-2023), the artist sets up site-specific interventions in the landscape – such as figures, clothes racks and even a juice bar. The artist shows her series with Koslov Larsen, an innovative Houston-based gallery. In an interview with Aesthetica, the artist explained, “I am focused on reuniting people with their environments through my images, by creating a new sense of interest and joy.
Danziger Gallery | Matthew Porter
Since its founding in 1989, the Danziger Gallery has established itself as one of the world’s leading photography venues and has represented important photographers as Susan Meiselas, Karen Knorr, and the estates of Evelyn Hofer and Seydou Keïta. Also represented is Matthew Porter, a photographer concerned with dusky shots of New York and Los Angeles. Porter’s tonally poignant work creates a “sunshine noir”, where hovering cars are escapes from the dystopian present, as they are augurs of hope.
Lebanese, Palestinian and American documentary photographer Rania Matar focuses on the hope and inspiration in the younger generation of women in Lebanon. She has dedicated her work to exploring issues of personal and collective identity through photographs of female adolescence, nationhood as well as womanhood. Obscura Gallery highlights her colourful and vibrant series dedicated to the women of Beiruit. Each image highlights female subjectivity whilst also embodying creativity, dignity and strength.
Yancey Richardson | John Divola
John Divola is an American contemporary visual artist that interweaves genres of performance, photography, sculpture and installation. His work often examines the Southern Californian landscape, including urban Los Ageles or the nearby ocean, mountains desert. His series Isolated Houses (1996-98), previously shown at Yancey Richardson, is a humbling display that allows viewers to be transported to different worlds according to colour, landscape and perspective. You can’t help but to want and get closer.
The Photography Show | 25 – 28 April
Image Credits:
Margeaux Walter, The Blue Collection, 2022, Archival pigment print
Carl Corey, 11990 • Shadigee, New York ⦿
Matthew Porter. Golden Gate, 2023. 32” x 39” Archival pigment print. Edition of 5
Rania Matar, Yasmina (and Her Reflection) Beirut, Lebanon, 2022. Archival pigment print mounted to Dibond, 19.2 x 24”, edition of 8
John Divola – N34°09.948’ W115°47.952’, 1995-1998, from the series Isolated Houses
