Despite its market explosion in the last five years, the photography community remains tight-knit—and without question, the Association of International Photography Art Dealers spring fair is the central event where the camera crew comes together. Now in its 34th edition, running April 10 through 13 at its longtime venue, the Park Avenue Armory, more than 80 dealers specializing in all the genres and styles that encompass photography’s 150-year history gather for what Catherine Edelman, president of AIPAD and director of her eponymous gallery, calls “a ‘genius bar’ on every aspect of today’s photography market.” While this year adds six new participants from across the globe, the show’s stalwarts remain ever loyal.
Yancey Richardson, who has been participating for 20 years, says she returns with good reason: “Most of the curators of photography from the major museums come, so it’s an opportunity for us either to show them new works we have on offer or introduce them to new artists.” This year, Richardson will stack her booth with Italian mountain man Olivo Barbieriand South African rising star Zanele Muholi, among others. Another Dutchwoman, Ellen Kooi, gets a single-artist booth at second-time exhibitor P.P.O.W., a choice co-owner Wendy Olsoff says was prompted by “the photo collectors, who are very knowledgeable and knew our artists but had never seen them in person because they don’t really go to contemporary galleries but rather to photo galleries.” With six works on offer, ranging from $6,500 to $12,000, Olsoff anticipates, after last year’s experience, that Kooi will garner “a wonderful response. AIPAD for us was very congenial, supportive, and especially a friendly environment among the dealers,” she concludes.