Whether you are a photography collector, enjoy photography, or just want to experience pictures and stories that extend beyond your everyday existence, you won’t want to miss the 21st Annual Photographic Art Exposition, otherwise known as photo l.a., at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium this weekend.
As the longest running art fair west of New York, and the largest photo-based art fair in the country with over 11,000 attendees, photo l.a. brings together photography dealers from around the world, displaying the finest contemporary photography, video and multimedia installations, along with vintage masterworks. Over the past 21 years, photo l.a. has exhibited more than 300 galleries, private dealers and publishers, and has presented more than 150 lectures and collecting seminars to the public.
It’s all happening Thursday through Monday. The opening Gala Reception is on Thursday, 6-9 p.m., and benefits the Los Angeles County Museum of Art’s Wallis Annenberg Department of Photography. The special host of the evening will be Moby, who also has a featured installation. Throughout the weekend, there is an array of seminars by noted photographers and gallery owners.
New this year is Salon de Tableaux, tabletop presentations showcasing vintage, vernacular and unique photography. Also, check out photoBOOK, a forum with guest reviewers offering feedback to photographers on their book proposals.
There’s also an area that provides space for sculpture, installations, book signings and seating. Hang out in a expansive lobby that includes a Phaidon bookstore, sitting area, café, coffee bar and cupcake corner—or check out the VIP balcony lounge and video viewing area—if you have a VIP ticket, of course. photo l.a. is the perfect weekend event.
Click here for information about tickets to seminars, the exhibition and opening night.
About this column: It's time to think of yourself. Look to this column on Wednesday afternoons for ideas that you can enjoy just for yourself and your friends—no kids allowed.
