The highly anticipated twelfth edition of the Unseen Photo Fair is set to take place from September 20 to 22, with a private preview on September 19.
This international art fair, renowned for spotlighting the latest developments in contemporary photography, will transform Amsterdam’s iconic Westergas site into a vibrant hub for photography enthusiasts, collectors, and art professionals.
This year, the main fair will feature 71 exhibitors, showcasing a dynamic blend of established international artists and emerging talents. Founding Director Roderick van der Lee expressed his excitement: “We’re thrilled to present a truly global perspective on contemporary photography. With galleries and publishers from every continent, we’re showcasing the vanguard of the most relevant medium of our times: Photography.”
The fair promises a diverse and captivating experience. Noteworthy first-time exhibitors include Einspach from Budapest, dedicating a large presentation to artist Tamas Dezsö, and Open Doors from London, known for their rigorous curatorial perspective. Returning participants such as Stevenson will feature a solo presentation by the prolific artist Viviane Sassen, while Ellen de Bruijne will showcase unique works by Klaas Kloosterboer.
Annet Gelink Gallery will honor the recently departed Bertien van Manen, exhibiting her works held in prestigious collections such as MoMA New York and the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. Steiglitz19 from Antwerp will dedicate a solo presentation to Dutch Caribbean artist Kevin Osepa, a former Unseen Talent Award recipient.
The Past/Present section will offer thematically curated presentations, including Depth of Field’s exhibition on textile imagery featuring a rare photographic copy of the ‘Shroud of Turin.’ Blue Lotus Gallery will present city photography of Hong Kong, including vintage works by the legendary Fan Ho. Smith Davidson will create a dialogue between the works of Terry O’Neill and Janette Beckman, enhancing the narrative of photographic history.
The Book Market, featuring 65 independent publishers and dealers, is a treasure trove for book enthusiasts and collectors. The selection for this year blends internationally renowned veterans with emerging publishing initiatives, offering an expansive view into the world of photography books.
Unbound, the fair’s section dedicated to exploring the outer limits of photography, will feature ambitious projects and installations. Highlights include the latest video work by Yael Bartana, whose creations are part of prestigious collections like MoMA and Tate Modern.
Amsterdam’s strong tradition in photography will be celebrated with an array of museum exhibitions coinciding with the fair. Highlights include a large solo exhibition of Viviane Sassen at Foam and a new body of work by Awoiska van der Molen, as well as a presentation of young Belgian photographers at the Brakke Grond.
Westergas, the historic and innovative art and culture village in Amsterdam’s Westerpark, will once again provide a unique and monumental setting for Unseen Photo Fair, blending historical values with cutting-edge ideas to surprise and delight visitors.
Mark your calendars from 20 to 22 September 2024, and join the Unseen Photo Fair for an unforgettable showcase of contemporary photography!