United Kingdom • Born in 1952

Tender Albion

Don’t be shy to tell Martin Parr he’s a bit « kitsch » – he considers it a great compliment! The man who has had as much of an impact on British photography as Cartier-Bresson had in France is now a canonical artist. His inimitable style has inspired hundreds of talented young photographers. « There’s no such thing as a perfect photo. But when you go out every morning, that’s still what you hope to achieve», he explains in Lee Shulman’s film about him "I Am Martin Parr". « I see one of my roles as trying to define what it means to be English. ».

After his early black and white photographs, Martin Parr transitioned to colour, demonstrating that this then-new style was not just for fashion and advertising and could, in fact, be used for art, documentary and creative photography. He turned bright, saturated, cynical and often funny scenes into images. His view of the English middle class was controversial : some viewed it as acerbic criticism of his contemporaries, with more than a dash of contempt. Martin Parr has always denied this, saying « my role is to show things as they are, without embellishment». His sharp eye is at once affectionate, satirical and humorous, making us cringe and smile in equal measure. This approach has earned him some enmity from his peers. So much so that his admission into the Magnum agency almost caused a split: half of the members threatened to leave if he was accepted, while the other half refused to go on without him. Parr finally became a member in 1994, and helped to rejuvenate the image of this prestigious photographic cooperative.

A true photographer never hangs up his camera. At the age of 73, Martin Parr continues to crisscross beaches, fairgrounds and other public spaces in search of the perfect moment and that imperceptible detail – the one that sums up his fellow citizens’ idiosyncrasies and contradictions. « Kitsch » or otherwise, his images can be interpreted on two levels. As well as being funny, they raise questions about identity, the relationship between excessive consumption and its effects on society and the environment, and more besides. His approach is at the crossroads of tenderness, derision and information, creating the instantly recognisable "Martin Parr" style. The true mark of a genius who has shaped a generation.

LA PRAIRIE

 

Martin Parr