Jeff Brouws courtesy Robert Mann Gallery 

The celebrated Parisian photography event has been growing in reputation and the organisers have decided it’s time to see how they fare over seas.

It’s not unusual that when one thinks of Paris it is the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Moulin Rouge and those Fashion Weeks that come to mind.  These are sometimes considered as the cities highlights and, to some outsiders, only landmarks and events worth taking note of. Of course this is very much wrong and one of Paris’ most celebrated events, Paris Photo, has been drawing in an international crowd for the last 15 years. Now, in it’s 16th year, Paris Photo is about to explore new territories and pitch tent in L.A.

Malala Andrialavidranzana 

Gabriele Basillico courtesy of Galerie Anna Barrault

Whilst the Parisian edition is held each year during November (you’ll remember that Swide suggested some ideas to embark on your own photographic journey in Paris) the L.A. festival will take place in April 24-28, with its first being held in 2013. Unlike the 140 galleries that are brought together in Paris, L.A. will feature 80 international galleries, which will be housed together at the heart of the Paramount Pictures Studio. The move is the result of the success that 2011’s edition celebrated, having of 50,000 visitors flock to the French Capital. Obviously, there is risk in expanding but Jean-Daniel Compain, Senior Vice President of Reed Expositions France, and Julien Frydman, director of Paris Photo, are aware that Los Angeles is now considered as an international art capital with a unique creative environment that offers a promising context for Paris Photo.

Okada Atsushi  

Fenrenc Berko Courtesy Gittermna Gallery

Also, April will mean that Paris Photo Los Angeles will fall within L.A.’s month of photography, (MOPLA) which started in 2009 and houses some of the most avant-garde work out there. Perfect timing to kick start a new project of this scale. At the moment, the demographic of MOPLA are those that are from in and around L.A., meaning that PFLA could be key in drawing in wider audiences and exhibitors, something that has excited Stateside lovers of Paris Photo.

For more info about both events

Paris Photo Website

Written by Ben Taylor