MIA 2021: Gallerists Report Mixed Results at Milan Photo Fair

MIA 2021, the Milan photo fair, saw a mix of cautious optimism and stark criticism from participating gallerists. While some praised the fair's organization and the chance to refocus on photography, others reported slow sales and a hesitant public. MoscaPartners, exhibiting in the MIDA section, found their Parallel 2021 project generated interest and curiosity. Deodato Arte highlighted the fair's support and the opportunity to showcase works by Warhol, Newton, and Glaviano. However, mc2gallery's Claudio Composti noted a slow rhythm and difficulty closing sales, attributing it to a public more eager for social interaction than purchases, and a widening market gap between high-value and low-value works. Giampaolo Abbondio reported zero sales despite a beautiful stand and high-quality works starting at €1,000. Podbielski Contemporary called for a stronger curatorial direction and more homogeneous selection to avoid mixing established galleries with amateurs. The fair awarded several prizes: the BNL Gruppo BNP Paribas Prize to Federica Belli (work acquired for BNL's collection), a special mention to Giovanni Gastel, the New-Post Photography 2021 Prize to 19 winners, the G*AA Prize for architectural photography to Elena Chernyshova, the PUNCTUM Prize to ten photographers for color research, and the Esplorare Gavi prize to Loredana Mantello and others.