After offering FOG and Untitled earlier this month, San Francisco is now playing host this week to the inaugural edition of PHOTOFAIRS outside of Shanghai.

The arrival of PHOTOFAIRS in San Francisco demonstrates a great interest for photography along the Pacific Rim. As in Shanghai, San Francisco’s large community of collectors and the city’s long-time relationship to photography, as explained by fair artistic director Alexander Montague-Sparey, lays the foundation for a successful debut.

With a total of 34 galleries representing 14 countries, PHOTOFAIRS | San Francisco is showing photography that redefines the traditional understanding of the medium—with an emphasis on contemporary work. The fair is divided into two sectors: Main, showcasing established galleries such as CHOI & LAGER, Bryce Wolkowitz Gallery, Vanguard Gallery, Galerie DUMONTEIL, as well as a myriad of Californian-based galleries; and Plaftorm, introducing international galleries that have never exhibited in the United States before.

Highlighted artists presenting work at the fair include Sean McFarland (the SFMOMA’s prestigious SECA award winner ), John Chiara, Jim Campbell, Birdhead, Boomoon, Eric Pillot, Mona Khun, Peter Lindbergh, Yang Fudong, Vik Muniz, Ahmet Ertuğ, and many more .

The fair, in collaboration with institutions like the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, J. Paul Getty Museum, Museum of Moving Image, New Museum, Portland Art Musuem, and SFMOMA, will also offer a sharp public programing with its Insights, Conversations, and Staged sections hosting panels, artist talks, book signings, and exhibitions focusing and discussing the role of the artist today.

PHOTOFAIRS | San Francisco is held at Fort Mason’s festival pavilion from January 27 until January 29. PHOTOFAIRS | Shanghai 2017 will run on September 8-10 at the Shanghai Exhibition Center.

Birdhead

PHOTOFAIRS Debuts in San Francisco This Week