I live for the unexpected.

The other day after spin class, my lovely friend, art authority and loyal Devil follower, presented me with tickets to the Paris Photo, the international art fair for photography and moving image. To be honest, I knew nothing about the event so I delved and decided to check it out.

Unfortunately, I did not attend Opening Night. If I had, I may have captured moments with Brad Pitt, Orlando Bloom, Jamie Lee Curtis and musician/artist, Joni Mitchell.

Paris Photo Los Angeles is the U.S. edition of the world’s most celebrated art fair for works created in the photographic medium. Unfortunately, you may have missed it as the fair took place this past weekend at Paramount Studios backlot. Fear not, it shall return.

The location offered the ideal setting to explore how artists have been and are using photography and moving image in their work in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Leading international galleries presented historical and contemporary bodies of works by renowned and emerging artists. The New York Street backlot at Paramount utilized the storefronts by presenting cutting-edge solo shows and bookseller projects.

Paris Photo Los Angeles and the Hopper Art Trust had a special tribute to the renowned actor/director and artist Dennis Hopper. A presentation of Hopper’s photographic work was on display as well as a rare screening of his 1971 film, “The Last Movie.” I admired Hopper’s photo of artist Roy Lichtenstein.

Additionally, BMW and Paris Photo celebrated the 11th anniversary of their partnership in Los Angeles by displaying the BMW Art Car by David Hockney. The car was painted nearly twenty years ago in Los Angeles.

“BMW gave me a model of the car and I looked at it time and time again”, says David Hockney commenting on the process of creating the Art Car. “Finally, I thought it would be a good idea to show the car as if one could see inside.” Hockney literally turned the car inside out, making it transparent through unique perception.

The Paris Photo Fair is the art world’s version of Coachella. People were dressed in affluent faux grunge with hair artfully tousled. Women were wearing hats, styled in the vein of Jennifer Lopez and Rachel Zoe.

I remember when I was fresh off the plane in the 80’s from NYC. I used to don fedoras  and was constantly razzed. Now it is in vogue and part of the LA street scene.

I was hoping Kendall and Kylie Jenner or Vanessa Hudgens would make an appearance at Paris Photo as I wanted to see their comparable art costumes in accordance with their contrived Coachella get ups.

It was an international happening with accents and photos from all over the world. My husband approached an exhibit and knew instantaneously that the subjects in the photographs were South African…he was right on the money.

Prices ranged from $1000 up to 6 figures. Sales were brisk.

Food trucks abounded. People were stimulated inside and then lazed outside in the warm April sunshine downing white wine, champagne, lobster sliders, burgers and Asian delights.

Add this event to past posts of intriguing things to do for for a small pittance in Los Angeles. The tickets were given to me  (entrance fee $28) , we found street parking right off of Gower (lots are $12). Stimulation was gratis.

We treated ourselves to an early dinner at Republique because we were in the ‘hood. The food held up. Check out my review at: https://ifthedevilhadmenopause.com/vive-la-republique/ We settled at the bar and had a lovely discussion with fellow foodies, originally from Kansas City.

Along with our cocktails, we munched on tuna tartare, followed by wood oven Brussels sprouts frisee salad with apple-smoked bacon and the freshest  soft egg. Next up, charcoaled-grilled Mediterranean octopus with black kale, citrus, pistachio. We indulged in a small sampling of rapturous, garlicky escargot. A tangy, zesty key lime tart with raspberries finished off the meal. We found street parking saving another $10…I hate to say it, but arriving early gets you seated without a reservation and street parking was for the taking.

We had obligations to our doggie’s bladder and their dinner demands so we headed home at a reasonable hour.

Saturday surprises can be stimulating and satisfying.

Keep the Paris Photo Fair in mind for next year…all arrows point towards a worthwhile artistic adventure.