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photo MIAMI, the acclaimed contemporary international fair of photo-based art, video, and new media, returns this December with an international roster of galleries from Canada, China, Germany, Italy, Spain, Puerto Rico, the United Kingdom and the U.S. Coinciding again with Art Basel Miami Beach, the fair, themed A Year of Magical Thinking, welcomes a premiere group of returning exhibitors, as well as a number of first-time participants.

Stephen Cohen, who established the fair in 2006 and who currently serves as the fair's managing director notes, "This year photo MIAMI will offer collectors, curators, and patrons an immediate and comprehensive overview of what a truly international contemporary art fair can be. With a strong curatorial team and an exciting theme, the 2009 edition is looking to be one of the best yet."

Recently acquired by FOTOmarkt, a newly formed group of investors passionate about photo-based art, photo MIAMI continues its commitment to expanding an already diverse exhibitor pool, as well as a strong focus on featuring both established and emerging artists from the U.S. and abroad.

FOTOmarkt owners Steve Eshelman and Marisa Arango commented, "To have curatorial talent such as Isolde Brielmaier, Charles Guice, and Brookie Maxwell, all who have had significant experience in the contemporary art market, can only result in a high profile, globally relevant selection of premiere galleries."

"Since its inaugural opening, photo MIAMI has always been successful," added Guice. "Last year the fair hosted exhibitors from more than fourteen countries and is the only major photo-based art fair during Art Basel Miami Beach. We had record attendance in 2008--more than double that from the first year--and with the roster of galleries we have this year, we expect those numbers to increase significantly."


ABOUT THE CURATORS:

Isolde Brielmaier, Ph.D., a professor at Vassar College and Columbia University and a New York-based curator, has presented exhibitions in the U.S. and abroad. She has also developed programs for museums, corporate clients and international art fairs, including ARCO, Art Chicago and the Armory Show/VOLTA NY.

Charles Guice, Director of Charles Guice Contemporary, has exhibited frequently at contemporary art fairs, including photo l.a., photo MIAMI, and AIPAD, and serves on the Board of Trustees for the California College of the Arts and the Nominating Committee for the Aperture West Book Prize.

Brookie Maxwell, Director of Gallery 138 in New York, has produced numerous theme-based gallery exhibitions, public and private art project commissions, and events addressing the concept of a new world paradigm with groups including Inferential Focus, Facing History and Ourselves, and Women Moves.

ABOUT PHOTO MIAMI:

Now in its fourth year, photo MIAMI, the acclaimed contemporary international fair of photo-based art, video, and new media, returns in a new, 30,000 square foot venue at 34th and North Miami in Miami's Wynwood Arts District.

The fair is strategically positioned on the main thoroughfare for all of the major satellite fairs during ABMB, as well as the Rubell Family Collection and the new warehouse for the Rosa and Carlos de la Cruz Collection, which will open that week.

photo MIAMI 2009 commences on Tuesday, December 1, with an Invitational VIP Opening Reception and with public hours Wednesday, December 2 through Sunday, December 6.