Basel bets on photography

By Rodrigo Carrizo Couto, Basel

Photography enjoys prestige and tradition in Switzerland, with large institutions that are enshrined as the Elysee Museum in Lausanne, or annual events of international scope like Images in Vevey, or Bienne Fototage in Bienne.

But, interestingly, so far there was no trade fair for collectors of fine art photography. This gap is filled now with Photo Basel initiative, launched by young Sven Eisenhut and Samuel Riggenbach.

Eisenhut was trained at the Hotel School of Lausanne and receives swissinfo.ch for a guided tour of the show and a talk on the photo market.

Historical artists and emerging talents

"Switzerland needed a fair of photography” he enthusiastically explains. "And we are convinced that there is a potential market for this type of art. Photo Basel bets on both young and emerging photographers as well as consecrated values. What matters is that they are unique and develop a creative and interesting production "process.

The exhibition presents thirty galleries from Europe and the United States, although there is also a Latin surprise. On the second floor can be seen works by artists such as Mapplethorpe or Helmut Newton and several Swiss. From historic René Burri or Roger Humbert to young talents as Mandy Douglas, Alex Palacios or Gian Paul Lozza.

Among the photos on exhibition are many that could be considered as photo reportage or photojournalism and glamour. How is established that subtle barrier between journalism and fashion or art worth collecting?

"There is no clear answer to this question," says Sven Eisenhut.

"This is a rare combination of talent, a perfect eye, persistence and having the necessary value to differentiate. "
 

As for the gallery owners, the co-founder of Photo Basel believes that a good gallery is one that thinks long term. "They have to accompany the artist for years. Even during a lifetime. A good gallery owner does not seek immediate pitch, but a lasting career in the time, "thinks Eisenhut.

Swiss way of photographing

And what advice does this specialist give to a photographer interested in entering the art market? "To talk to a lot with other artists and moves. To go to fairs and understands the market. To be able to connect and develop work with soul. The curators notice immediately when an artist has his own voice, "analyzes Sven Eisenhut.

As for the collectors, his advice is to be honest. "We must buy what we really like. With passion, "he says while explaining there are no speculative levels in the photography market which can be seen in places like Art Basel, where the purchase of works is an investment that can move millions.
 

And is there a "Swiss photography"? "Definitely. Swiss photo features world-renowned schools as the ECAL in Lausanne or School Vevey. I believe that what defines the "Swiss picture" comes from our recognized expertise. It is a true talent of artisans, which Swiss apply from watchmaking design through photography. "

The American time

At the beginning of the reportage we spoke of a "Latin surprise." It is the Carlos Caamaño gallery, of Peru. The only non-European or American gallery present in Photo Basel, except for the Japanese of Amanasalto. The Lima gallery represents Peruvian artists, and has participated in fairs in Spain, Argentina or Brazil.

"I think there's a very specific Latin look in photography, something that  distinguishes us, and we must also remember that in Latin America have existed great schools of photographers in Mexico, particularly, but also in Uruguay or Argentina. While initially they were influenced by the French tradition, they have now managed to find their own voice, " Carlos Caamaño says to swissinfo.ch.

According to the Peruvian gallery owner, there are no clear criteria for what is and is not art photography. "The genre of art photography is very broad. Today, almost anything can be considered art photo, although I personally bet on the conceptual photography and photo documentary author. And though it is true that art collectors are rare in our continent, I think that Latin America and Africa are the future art market, "said Caamaño.

Meanwhile Sven Eisenhut concludes the talk explaining his great project for the future. It is about creating in this historic area of Basel one kind of "neighborhood of photography", in which there were related events, galleries and workshops.

Photo Basel stayed at the Ackermanshof, part of a historic complex medieval origin on the shores of the Rhine.

In its first edition, the fair featured thirty galleries from from Switzerland, Europe, USA, Japan and Peru.

Exhibitors paid half of 6000 Swiss francs to file their work.

The sale price of the photographs ranged between 1000 and 12 000 Swiss francs.

Photo Basel was created by Samuel Riggenbach, trained in management of cultural events, and by Sven Eisenhut from the prestigious School Lausanne hotel.

Source: : http://www.swissinfo.ch