The Best of AIPAD 2017

The Photography Show: A New Year, A New Space

**Structures of Identity: Photography from The Walther Collection**

A fresh look at AIPAD reveals that the iconic show organized by the Association of International Photography Art Dealers, known as the longest-running and foremost show dedicated to the photographic medium, still holds the power to draw photo lovers from its previous location at The Park Avenue Armory to its new home at Pier 94.

**J.D. ‘Okhai Ojeikere, Suku Sinero, 1974. Printed 2010**

**A special exhibition presented by AIPAD**

With well over 100 galleries, book dealers, publishers, special exhibitions, AIPAD Talks, and photography-related organizations, this year show presented another great opportunity to discover new artists, explore new photographic techniques by surprisingly old artists, and getting re-acquainted with photographers like Robert Doisneau, Herb Ritts, William Silano, Man Ray, and Manuel Alvarez Bravo. While attending AIPAD Talks during the last day of the exposition, I finally got to meet the seasoned photography collector Artur Walther, after the discourse. What a moment that was.

Based on the reported attendance, and sales (the highest in AIPAD history; more than 15,000 visitors came to Pier 94, up from the 12,000 who attended last year’s Show at the Park Avenue Armory) the show was a success. As an art broker, I was enthralled with AIPAD’s new format. It is true that the new venue is less intimate than the Park Avenue Armory, but interestingly enough, that played to its advantage. Furthermore, I was thoroughly pleased to see how photography continues to have a significant amount of power in our busy day-to-day lives. MVSP

This story was originally reported by Vyna St. Phard at www.arteighty8.com.