Photo London, the UK’s largest photography fair is back for 2016 hosted by Somerset house from 19-22 May. In its second year running, over 80 galleries from around the world are here to showcase works from early photographic masters to new emerging talent, covering nearly all genres of photography. Every available space in Somerset House has been utilised, showcasing work across four levels, each gallery has a personalised space housed within separate rooms giving a more intimate feel to the usual art fair footprint. Alongside the gallery spaces, the programme includes talks, book signings, installations and screenings, including ‘Finding Vivian Maier’ and a special screening of the new film ‘Mapplethorpe: Look at Pictures’.
Photo London offers a unique chance to view and purchase exclusive works, for example, limited edition prints of Steve McCurry’s India whilst Magnum photos show a never before printed colour image by Robert Capa of Spectators at Longchamp Racecourse in Paris 1952.
On the Mezzanine level the Hamilton Gallery presents Photo London’s 2016 Master of Photography, the legendary Photojournalist, Don McCullin. Highlighting issues from war to poverty the emotive black and white images from various assignments are beautifully presented in a low lit atmospheric space. Don McCullin explains in his own words “I’m very determined as a person, when I took my camera out I didn’t just take it out for a jolly walk around, I took it out to record the things in life that shouldn’t be. Every picture here is important, an illustration of the imbalance of certain people’s lives”. In three other specially commissioned exhibitions Photo London will be showcasing work by Sergey Chilikov, Turner Prize nominated artist Craigie Horsfield and ‘London Street Photography’ featuring various artists.
Don McCullin during an interview at Hamilton Gallery space © Laura Bemrose
Martin Parr’s ‘Real Food Van’ installation is a must see, occupying the River terrace space, it allows diners to sample dishes cooked by his chef daughter Ellen Parr and inspired by images of everyday cuisine from his latest book, Real food. Phaidon have collaborated with The Art of Dining to create a fun experience with quirky surroundings, showing British kitsch at its best.
Martin Parr from inside his ‘Real Food Van’ outside at the River Terrace, Somerset House © Miro Arva
Visitors at Thomas Zander
By Night, Shining Wool and Towering Heel, Evelyn Tripp, New York by Lillian Bassman © Lillian Bassman, Edwynn Houk Gallery, New York
Christy with Mouse, 1999 by Patrick Demarchelier © Patrick Demarchelier, CAMERA WORK, Berlin
More on Photo London visit photolondon.org.
