Martin Parr

James CableDaisy Marshall

Jimmy Chan

Born in Epson, Surrey 23rd May 1952 Started as a documentary photographer at 14 Influenced by his grandfather who was an

amateur photographer Studied Photography at Manchester

Polytechnic between 1970-1973 (aged 18-21) Got married in 1980 and has one child Martin Parr was appointed Professor of

Photography in 2004 at The University of Wales Newport campus.

Bio

Bad Weather Photography:

- This is exemplary of his early work, that of which he gained recognition for.

- Use of black and white -He has developed an international reputation

for his innovative imagery, his unique approach to social documentary, and his input to photographic culture within the UK and abroad.

Early Work

Examples

Parr didn't like Margaret Thatcher and her ideologies Parr regrettably never photographed Thatcher or the

miners strike (which he supported) Parr considers himself a liberal, but in recent time has

been quoted as saying in an article for the guardian that," some of her politics helped modernize Britain", despite being angry at her during the 80's

his work aimed to mirror the lifestyle of ordinary British people, reflecting the social decline and distress of the working class during the era of Margaret Thatcher

Thoughts on the Thatcher era

- Parr has developed an interest in film-

making, and has started to use his photography within different conventions, such as fashion and advertising.

- In 2008 Martin Parr was guest curator at New York Photo Festival, curating the New Typologies exhibition.

- Parr has been working on a 4-year project documenting the Black Country (West Midlands)

More recent work

Parr has done some work in Mexico where he

was struck by the clear impact of America's pop culture on Mexican life

thematic aspects of his work in Mexico include: colourful and mocking close-ups of food, hats, signs, and souvenirs etc.

His work demonstrated the corruption of authentic cultural forms by global consumer culture.

his work both critiques and celebrates this corruption

Work outside the UK

In 14, Parr Became a member of Magnum

Photos There was a great deal of controversy around

him joining Magnum due to his provocative photographic style

Parr- “I was one of the first to break that humanist tradition that was so strong in the previous generation. They thought I was exploitative, cynical, even fascist. All kinds of words were used. But you should ask them.”

Magnum Photos

Bill Brandt - at the age of 15, Parr went to one

of his exhibitions and thought "This is fantastic! This is what I want to do."

Influences

Henri Cartier-Bresson - "You're on another

planet!". Parr replied, our styles may be different but "don't shoot the messenger." His black and white style is similar to Parr’s, but he's movement towards a postcard style couldn't be more different.

…Influences

Supposedly the most significant of his

influences was Tony Ray-Jones who similarly, 'teased' the English culture, like Parr. Jones was also British and only around ten years older than Parr.

…Influences

Worked in Radio and various TV shows,

including the being one of the 12 film makers who contributed to the survey of the funeral of Princess Diana.

Documentaries

It's Nice Up North, Think of England, Vivians Hotel

Parr asked members of the public what it took

to be English.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S-dicDUWixE

Think of England

First book / Black and White Photography - Bad Weather (1982) and 'A Fair Day' (1984)

Books

Then switch to colour photography few years later - 'The Last Resort' (1986) start his photographs with colourful images pioneer : John Bulmer http://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?

VP3=SearchResult&STID=2S5RYD122MMI

The switch to colour photography

- Postcard collectors key influence with the help of John Hinde collaboration with Gerry Badger - Documentary filmmaker Nick Barker 'Signs of the Times' 1992 'It's Nice Up North' 2006 - Big Awards and Honors Centenary Medal of The Royal Photographic

Society/ (HonFRPS)

Other examples of his work