The curator Christopher Phillips said “The fourth edition of PHOTOFAIRS | Shanghai demonstrated a new stage of maturity. The mix of Asian galleries and those from other parts of the world struck a perfect balance. The special curated exhibitions showed that Asian artists and collectors have reached a remarkably high level of sophistication. And certainly, everyone at the fair noticed the presence of leading American and European collectors and museums curators, who all seemed to be planning major acquisitions of Chinese photography.”
The prime public programming of the fair was also noted by those who were present. Highlights of the fair included Spotlight, which is the first international platform of work by the Chinese artist Ren Hang, Insights, a museum-quality exhibition of unique pieces tracing the history of colour in photography, and a special presentation of the works by four of China’s leading art collectors in the Collectors’ Exhibition, powered by De Beers.
Simon Baker, from the Tate Modern of London, says that it has been an eye-opening experience for him and a surprising fair, adding that he has been introduced to impressive new work by Chinese galleries and made exciting discoveries among both established and emerging artists.
The next editions of the Photofairs will be held in San Francisco from the 23rd to the 25th February 2018 for the second time, and again it will be held in Shangai for the fifth edition from the 21st to the 23rd September 2018.
