The 42nd edition of FIAC International Art Fair has risen to the challenge the golden splendor of the Grand Palais with another high-caliber edition. This year France’s most important art fair featured 172 galleries from 23 different countries, reconfirming its leading role within the major international art circuit. Unlike the London fair, which separates contemporary new at Frieze London and older works at Frieze Masters, FIAC brings both together under one steel-and-glass roof, skillfully playing on both the modern and the contemporary tables. Despite the unquestionable grandeur of the event, FIAC 2015 lacked of freshness when compared to its rival across the channel. But the whole Parisian art scene was more vibrant than ever thanks to a series of collateral events and independent initiatives such as the new fairs Internationale and Asia Now that shacked the traditionally conservative atmosphere of the French capital. Wandering around the Grand Palais, Le Paradox looked for standout pieces that bore a somewhat raw abstraction or a certain surrealistic feel. In this context, Tom Wesselmann’s Little Seascape collage at Mitchell-Innes & Nash, together with George Condo’s big painting at Sprut Magers perfectly met our expectations. Kamel Mennour had one of the most interesting booth at the fair, showcasing works by Chinese avant-garde artist Huang Yong Ping among others.

Photography, usually absent from FIAC overall, was wonderfully represented by Galerie Yvon Lambert, and the shortlisted artists for the Marcel Duchamp Prize. Further highlights from the fair included Juan Munoz Two Men with Armonica at Skarsted Gallery, an installation by renowned Japanese artist Chiaru Shiota, and a series of sculptures of Louise Bourgeois at Karsten Greve.