From November 7th to 10th, 2024, Paris Photo makes its grand return to the historic Grand Palais. This year, the event will pay tribute to filmmaker Jim Jarmusch, celebrating the photography that permeates his films. This tribute is especially fitting as the fair also celebrates the centennial of Robert Frank, a close friend of Jarmusch. In a 2019 interview with Libération, Jarmusch reflected on Frank’s legacy, stating, “Like many others, I discovered him as a teenager through his photographs, ‘The Americans,’ and was captivated by his constant evolution, his ability to break down structures and preconceived ideas that people tried to confine his art to. He always had this inclination to put aside his fame, the weight of the legend attached to his work on America and its frozen images, particularly through his films, which are very important.”
Furthermore, the 27th edition of Paris Photo will also highlight another centenary: Surrealism. Florence Bourgeois, director of Paris Photo, described it as a “central influence on Jim Jarmusch.” This movement deeply inspired the director, creating a dialogue between cinema, music, and imagery. Vogue explores the details of this must-see autumn event.
Jim Jarmusch’s admiration for Robert Frank is evident. Continuing his tribute to Frank in the Libération interview, Jarmusch shared, “Robert Frank constantly sought out new things, drawing inspiration from writers, painters, and films. He abhorred immobility and, in this regard, was emblematic for me of great artists who consider their work not as a fixed thing but as a process.” These qualities are reflected in Jarmusch’s own films, which feature aesthetes of all kinds. From the poet embodied by Adam Driver in ‘Paterson’ (2016) to the melancholic, music-loving vampires in ‘Only Lovers Left Alive’ (2013) and the passionate Charlie Parker fan in his first feature film, ‘Permanent Vacation’ (1980), his cinema is a testament to his master’s artistic vision, encompassing music, photography, and more.
Throughout his career, Jarmusch has also produced numerous collages, rarely seen by the public, now compiled in the album ‘Some Collages’ (Anthology Editions, 2021). These works, featuring newspaper clippings alongside photos of Patty Hearst, were exhibited at the James Fuentes gallery in New York in 2021 and at the Rencontres de la Photographie d’Arles in 2023.
The Paris Photo 2024 program promises to be a thrilling event. The fair returns to the Grand Palais after its long restoration, marking a highly anticipated comeback. The program will feature the highly regarded ‘Elles × Paris Photo,’ which supports women photographers, alongside new additions. One notable highlight is the film ‘Return to Reason’. This completely original project features four newly restored Man Ray films with an original score composed by Jim Jarmusch and his band SQÜRL. The film will have its premiere in two Parisian theaters during the fair, followed by a public release on November 13th, 2024.
Paris Photo will take place at the Grand Palais (3 Avenue du Général Eisenhower, 75008, Paris) from November 7th to 10th, 2024. Stay tuned to Vogue.fr for more cultural updates!
