Martin Parr
Martin Parr
Martin Parris a British documentary photographer, photojournalist and photobook collector. He is known for his photographic projects that take an intimate, satirical and anthropological look at aspects of modern life, in particular documenting the social classes of England, and more broadly the wealth of the Western world. His major projects have been rural communities, The Last Resort, The Cost of Living, Small Worldand Common Sense...
NationalityBritish
ProfessionPhotographer
Date of Birth25 May 1952
work
There are elements of irony in my work, of course.
color commercial obliged palette serious snapshot work
In the '70s, in Britain, if you were going to do serious photography, you were obliged to work in black-and-white. Color was the palette of commercial photography and snapshot photography.
became critique society work
My black-and-white work is more of a celebration, and the color work became more of a critique of society.
call fulfilling relaxing taking trip work
Personally, I don't take holidays; I go on trips. My idea of relaxing is taking a trip that isn't commissioned. I'll work just as hard, but without that nagging pressure of fulfilling a commission. Now that's what I call a holiday.
aficionado british famous great throughout visited worked
I pride myself in being an aficionado of the British seaside. Throughout my career, I have visited and worked in many of the famous British resorts, from Great Yarmouth to Largs.
projects travel work
By default, I am a travel photographer. I work on a combination of commissions and personal projects that take me around the world.
hard-work passionate photograph
Work harder, get closer and be passionate about what you photograph.
family local prepare struck valuable vietnam visited
When I visited Vietnam for Oxfam, the thing that really struck me was how the local farmers had to prepare to evacuate or climb to their mezzanines with their valuable family possessions.
art dancing double flow great joining stand time
Over the years, I have perfected the art of dancing and photographing at the same time: it's a great double act. If you're dancing, you are joining in. If you stand there rigid, you are not in the flow of things.
subject taboo
Photographers never want to talk about the fact that they may well be in decline. It's the greatest taboo subject of all.
far gave good margaret people
Margaret Thatcher was very good for the arts in so far as it gave people a real focus for something to be against.
My profile is bigger in Europe than it is in the U.K.
ourselves saving
The ability for us to laugh at ourselves is Britain's saving grace.
british fly glad leaving
When I fly British Airways, I can't help but read the free Daily Mail, which makes me glad I am leaving the country.