Irene Gelfman, global curator of Pinta BAPhoto Fair in Latin America, tells us about the 20th anniversary of the fair in Latin America taking place from the 24th to the 27th of October
Kooness: This year marks the 20th anniversary of Pinta BAphoto. How do you feel the fair has evolved over the years?
Irene Gelfman: In these 20 years, the fair has grown exponentially. When it started in 2005, the photography market in Latin America was not as established, and in Argentina, in particular, only a few galleries were dealing with works in this medium. Throughout the editions, Pinta BAphoto has succeeded in increasing the visibility and appreciation of photography as an artistic medium, connecting artists, collectors, and curators both locally and internationally, while supporting the growth of specialized galleries and others that, over the years, began incorporating artists who explored photography more and more. Today, Pinta BAphoto is a reference for photographic art, being currently the only fair specialized in photography in the region. It has become a key space for discussing and discovering new trends, challenges, and markets within the contemporary scene.
K: As the leading photography art fair in Latin America, what do you think sets Pinta BAphoto apart from other fairs in the region and globally?
IG: What sets Pinta BAphoto apart is its specialized focus on photography and the expansive possibilities this medium offers, allowing us to delve into the diversity and richness of photographic practices. Moreover, the fair has a comprehensive vision, which not only includes established galleries and artists but also focuses on emerging spaces and federal projects, meaning initiatives outside the centralized orbit of Buenos Aires. These projects come from various parts of Argentina, often from the so-called "periphery," offering valuable space for new voices and explorations. The inclusion of special projects, debate forums, and a curatorial program that addresses contemporary issues such as the relationship between photography and archive, memory, territory, or technology, positions us as a fair that not only exhibits works but also fosters critical dialogue.
K: How do you go about selecting the artists and galleries for the fair?
IG: The selection is done through a rigorous curatorial process that I coordinate with a team alongside the curators selected for each section. We aim for a balance between quality, diversity, and relevance in the contemporary context. We are interested in representing a wide range of photographic practices, from conceptual to documentary approaches. We work with galleries that have a strong track record in representing artists who experiment with the photographic medium, and we also seek to foster the presence of young galleries that are investing in new generations of artists who increasingly challenge the alternatives offered by this wonderful practice.
K: As a curator, what are the main guidelines you follow curating the fair? Can you tell us a bit more about the different sections of the fair?
IG: The curatorial line of Pinta BAphoto focuses on exploring the boundaries of photography as a medium, ranging from its more traditional aspects to the most experimental expressions. This is reflected in the various sections the fair presents each year. Among them is RADAR, included for the first time this edition, curated by Sebastián Vidal Mackinson, featuring mid-career artists who reflect on social and current issues; the NEXT | Fuera de Foco section, curated by Bárbara Golubicki and Joaquín Rodríguez, celebrating 10 years at the fair, showcasing emerging galleries from across the country; the Artista Homenaje project, curated by Francisco Medail, also celebrates a decade of paying tribute to key figures in the medium, giving them a space for revaluation. Meanwhile, the Special Project offers a counterpoint with more disruptive expressions in terms of technique and conceptual approach, alongside Video Project, which explores the relationship between moving images and photography, both projects under my curatorship. We also have Foro, a space for discussion on critical issues in contemporary photography where we invite more than 20 speakers this edition, recognized specialists from various disciplines. The idea is to offer an inclusive platform where different perspectives and practices converge.
K:How do you see photography as a medium reflecting or shaping the evolving cultural landscape in Latin America?
IG: Photography has been, and continues to be, a powerful medium for documenting, interpreting, and questioning the social and political realities of Latin America. Through photographic images, artists address themes such as identity, memory, urban and rural landscapes, the tensions between tradition and modernity, and issues around gender. In many cases, photography serves as a tool for protest and resistance, but also for reclaiming Latin American culture, allowing artists to express their responses to the changes and challenges their societies face.
K: What role do you see Pinta BAphoto playing in the international art market moving forward?
IG: Pinta BAphoto has a crucial role in the insertion of Latin American photography into the international market, especially since it is the only specialized photography fair in all of Latin America, which entails an enormous responsibility. Through the fair, we aim to create connections between gallerists, collectors, and institutions from various parts of the world, fostering cultural and commercial synergy that promotes the appreciation of photographic art and its many possibilities in Argentina and the region.
K: What can we expect from BA Photo Fair’s future editions?
IG: In future editions, we hope to continue expanding our borders, both geographically and curatorially. We want to continue striving to be a key reference point, an international must-attend event for those looking to explore the aesthetics and issues of photography in today's world—innovative and offering a platform for critical reflection. At the same time, we aim to continue exploring the intersections between photography and other visual languages, and strengthen our international presence while always maintaining our commitment to Latin American art.
Cover Image: LOPEZ, Marcos, Avion, 2023. Courtesy of the artist and Pinta BAPhoto Fair.