Paris in Focus
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Following the Second World War, four photographers — Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, George Rodger and David Seymour — started a cooperative that remains iconic to this day: the Magnum Photos agency. Mixing journalistic coverage of worldwide news andParis in Focus
Following the Second World War, four photographers — Henri Cartier-Bresson, Robert Capa, George Rodger and David Seymour — started a cooperative that remains iconic to this day: the Magnum Photos agency. Mixing journalistic coverage of worldwide news and conflicts, as well as reportage across societies and industries, Magnum Photos disseminates its visual storytelling through international media, publishers, and cultural institutions.A veritable “heritage brand” of the milieu, Magnum membership is a minimum four-year process, and its current roster includes Susan Meiselas, Antoine d’Agata, Alec Soth, Martin Parr, Jacob Aue Sobol, Steve Mccurry, and Newsha Tavakolian, with a rich archive that includes the work of its founders as well as luminaries such as Martine Franck, Philippe Halsman, Josef Koudelka, and Sergio Larrain.For the 22nd edition of Paris Photo at the Grand Palais (November 8-11), the Magnum stand will present a group show, including prints by Matt Black, Leonard Freed, and Cristina de Middel. We spoke to Christina Vatsella, director of Magnum’s Paris gallery in the 18th arrondissement, about her local Paris recommendations and favorite photographic references linked to the city.How long have you been living in Paris?Fourteen years and counting.What are your “can’t leave without seeing this” recommendations for the city? The Fondation Louis Vuitton is a must, followed by a walk in the Jardin d’Acclimatation. What is the most overrated thing people advise visitors to check out when they're in town? The Eiffel Tower.Where would you head for the best shopping? I’d head to the Marais district.What's an authentic item you could only buy locally in France (or even just in Paris)? There is no such thing anymore; we can find anything anywhere. However, the Parisian atmosphere itself remains unique.Which neighborhood would you recommend people stay when they visit? In the Canal Saint-Martin district.What are your favorite restaurants or cafes near the fair?Near the fair, I would go to Les Grands Verres at Palais de Tokyo, followed by a visit of the exhibition, which stays open until midnight. What are your favorite bars to relax in after spending the day at Paris Photo? Weather permitting: the garden of Hotel Particulier in Montmartre.What are the ideal spots to see live music? La Philharmonie de Paris at the Villette.Outside of Paris Photo, what do you feel are the best venues to check out photography exhibitions or collections in the city? I would recommend Le Bal, Jeu de Paume, Maison Europeenne de la Photographie and the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson.What are the best places to check/ buy photographic prints? Magnum Gallery, of course!Do you have a favorite author who writes about Paris in an especially evocative way? Simone de Beauvoir, especially in her memoirsWhich photographer — historical and contemporary, respectively — best captures the authentic spirit or look of Paris? Among the classic photographers, I would say Elliott Erwitt and Bruce Davidson. For a contemporary vision of the city, one should see the work of Alex Majoli, Jerome Sessini and Harry Gruyaert.What are you most looking forward to about this latest edition of Paris Photo? When you are an exhibitor you actually see very few things. My favorite moment is the last day, very early in the morning, when the Grand Palais is practically empty and one can enjoy the artworks in complete silence— This article appears in the November edition of BlouinShop magazine. http://www.blouinartinfo.com/Founder: Louise Blouin Read more