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Martin Parr exhibition at MSHED
England. Bristol. Playing bowls. 1995-1999
Cricket teas, village fetes, toilet roll covers , the races, bad weather, camping, fish and chips, lidos, seaside towns, roast dinners and service stations are some of the many subjects that Magnum photographer Martin Parr chooses to document. He is known for his projects that take a critical look at aspects of modern life, tourism, and in particular provincial and suburban life in England. I first came across his work in 2000 in the form of his book 'Think of England' which has had me hooked on his work ever since, at the time I had never seen documentary photography quite like it and about a subject matter that could be easily identifiable. High contrasting clashy colours help exaggerate the satire imposed on some of his frames and subjects.
The environments he shoots are just as important as the people that inhabit them, including all ornaments and objects of which Parr has become an avid collector of; Saddam Hussein watches, trays, royal memorabilia, postcards, and old photographs. Parr has nearing 50 books published and their titles convey quite a humorous image of our western society; Bad Weather.(1982), Bored Couples.(1993), From A to B: Tales of Modern Motoring, Think of England.(2000), The Last Parking Space.
From the 'The last resort' .
Horncastle, Lincolnshire England, from "Common Sense", 1998
He also has ventured into making documentaries here is a clip from 'Think of England'.
Martin Parr's latest exhibition will take place at Bristol's MSHED, featuring over 50 images selected from the last thirty years of his career. Parr takes a wry look at life in Bristol and the surrounding area.
England. Bristol. Neighbours from Goldney Avenue gather to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee. The theme for the party is Kings and Queens. 2002
England. Bristol. St Pauls Carnival. 2009
England. Bristol. Bristol Avon Regatta. Yacht Salesman. 1989
England. Bristol. Members of the public queue outside the Bristol City Museum to see the Banksy art exhibition. 2009
To read an excellent interview with Martin Parr about his upcoming exhibtion please check out Vignette magazine here
Posted by — Aurelia Lange
September 2011
Cricket teas, village fetes, toilet roll covers , the races, bad weather, camping, fish and chips, lidos, seaside towns, roast dinners and service stations are some of the many subjects that Magnum photographer Martin Parr chooses to document. He is known for his projects that take a critical look at aspects of modern life, tourism, and in particular provincial and suburban life in England.
Parr's latest exhibition will take place at Bristol's MSHED, featuring over 50 images selected from the last thirty years of his career. Parr takes a wry look at life in Bristol and the surrounding area.
Martin Parr at M Shed, Bristol opens on 31st August - 27th November 2011.
Posted by — Aurelia Lange
September 2011
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