photo l.a.

Since its creation in 1992, photo l.a. has strived to bring new and exciting galleries from around the world to join the mix of established exhibitors of contemporary, modern, traditional and vintage photography. Providing a visual discourse on photography’s place in world of contemporary art, photo l.a. presents an exciting forum for collectors and exhibitors.

I’m delighted to announce that as photo l.a. 2013 celebrates its 22nd year this January, a new team of co-producers, Claudia James Bartlett and Wayne Fernandez will manage the fair.

This is the 50th art fair that I’ve produced since 1992 and fifty feels the like a good point to focus my energies on other events such asphotoBOOK LA, a book fair for art and photography books that will start at January’s fair and then become a stand alone fair in the 2013/2014 season. I will remain as Consulting Director.

Our outstanding programming series continues to address the most current topics in the converging worlds of art and photography. This year POINT OF VIEW: selections from Los Angeles collectors will be on view. As part of the exhibition,and related round table, collectors will elaborate on their collecting motivations and, specifically, about their choice for the exhibit.

It’s exhilarating to realize that 21 years producing art fairs have contributed to the growth of photography appreciation and collecting in Los Angeles. It’s gratifying to know that numerous established galleries first exhibited at photo l.a. and that many people made their first art purchase at the fair. It’s difficult to express the gratitude I feel towards the countless attendees who’ve expressed their appreciation for all the work everyone has contributed over the years. As the beloved silent film star, Lina LaMont, said, “If we bring a little joy into your humdrum lives, it makes us feel as though our hard work ain’t been in vain for nothin’.

photo l.a. 2013 opens with a gala reception on Thursday, January 17th and continues through the Martin Luther King Holiday. Please visit our website, www.photola.com, in the coming months for new programming and collaborations now in development. Sign up for our email updates and please like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

- Stephen Cohen