Contemporary Perspectives

Contemporary Perspectives

The ninth edition of MIA Photo Fair opens in Milan, bringing together 135 international exhibitors to interpret today’s world. With genres spanning reportage, still life, architecture, fashion and experimental photography, it holds up a mirror to society and addresses the key questions facing the digital age through displays, talks and events.

Example, environmental concerns are at the core of the 2019 edition, which ties into the 22nd International Exposition of the Milan Triennale, entitled Broken Nature. Design Takes on Human Survival. The event welcomes Norwegian photographer Rune Guneriussen, whose ethereal works juxtapose man made objects within nature, to look at the state of the bonds between humans and the planet. These sensibilities are shared by the featured photographers Thomas Wrede and Jan Kaesbach, whose otherworldly works use light and staging to question states of reality.

New for this year, the fair introduces Beyond Photography, which positions the medium in relation to contemporary art. Foregrounding an interdisciplinary approach, it demonstrates the evolving nature of creative practice in the 21st century. This is further highlighted through the launch of the MIA Photo Fair Architecture Photography award, an initiative underscoring the constant dialogue between lens-based media and the changing urban environment – complemented by a curated exhibit by Italian architect Fabio Novembre. Other renowned names include photojournalist Paolo Pellegrin, whose project Everyday Uniqueness offers a visual account of the concept of individuality.

South Korea is the guest nation at MIA Photo Fair 2019, which showcases work by a new generation of artists from the country. The exhibition, Focus Korea, offers emerging artists a global platform whilst encouraging viewers to engage with fresh voices. This continues through a partnership with Los Angeles-based Photo Independent, a fair championing independent practitioners.

The fair runs 22-25 March. Find out more here.

Lead image: Jan Kaesbach.