Strolling from Adel Abdessemed's compressed block of taxidermy animals to an enormously twirling Anish Kapoor alpenhorn, it's clear that Paris's FIAC fair is not on the shy side this year. The cautiousness of 2009 is long forgotten, and the fair is filled with sometimes-outrageous contemporary work and some daring propositions. Nevertheless, it is a testament to the quality of this year's fair that it has taken ARTINFO France a good few days to finalize its list of the best booths in the Grand Palais, which are listed below.

Christian Stein, B21

Installing a full-length mirror along one wall of a large stand is a gamble, but Christian Stein has turned it into a conversation-starter of sorts between different works. The mirror is, in fact, from Michelangelo Pistoletto's "Trans Border" series, and its painted red netting wonderfully matches its reflection of Gilbert & Georges equally volumous work "Pull." Accenting the setup on either side is Jack Pierson's found-letter sign "The Unknown" and an installation of yellow bulbs and black-and-white photographs by Christian Boltanski. Christian Stein’s stand achieves a great equilibrium and a true dialogue between the works on view.

Hans Mayer, C29

Robert Longo's stretch of heavyweight crosses are an immense statement in themselves, but Hans Mayer ups the ante by setting them besides Jürgen Klaukes "Antlitze," a series of 96 black-and-white pictures of hooded terrorists caught on security cameras. It's daring, but well executed.

Mitchell-Innes & Nash, A40

William Pope.L's performances in Barack Obama masks have drawn the crowds to Mitchell-Innes & Nash but few stop to look at the work beyond. The solo show offers up a kindergarten-like wall of colorful sketches and prints. They look a bit infantile at first, but closer inspection reveals Pope.L's trenchant commentary on race and color. It's certainly the most versatile solo show at FIAC.

Gagosian Gallery, B29

Visitors and fellow gallerists had widely varying opinions about the booth of mega-dealer Larry Gagosian. While some praised its thematic cohesiveness — all the works are focused on the subject of "women" — many found it boring. The feel of the India Mahdavi-designed space is almost quiet and museum-like; its pallid pastel colors suit Richard Prince's "Nurse Kathy" and works by Pablo Picasso and Roy Lichtenstein. A measured approach from the habitual steamroller.

Kaufmann Repetto, A09

Stretching a red web across the roof of your booth can be sales suicide, but at Kaufmann Repetto, the vermilion light falls very well on works by Pae White and Latifa Echakhch.