From Hong Kong to Benidorm, via the sophisticated beaches of Cannes, few scenarios have resisted the lens of photographer Martin Parr. The legendary British photographer has made a career of travelling the world and capturing its inhabitants in their daily lives.
His photographs show moments of everyday life with a characteristic satirical vision using strange motifs, garish colours and unusual perspectives. A kitsch look at how we live that has made Martin Parr a legend of contemporary photography.
With over 45 years of photography, 40 books published and around 80 exhibitions worldwide, the documentary photographer, photojournalist and chronicler found in the British city of Bristol a permanent home for his collection and photographic culture by creating his own foundation.
The Martin Parr Foundation was established in 2014 and opened to the public last year. A space that includes a studio, a gallery, a library and an archive that houses an important collection of post-war documentary photographs related to the British Isles.
A centre of photography that the students of the Master of Professional Photography at IED Madrid will have the opportunity to visit, discovering in situ Parr’s career from his student days to the present through publications, correspondence, photobooks and a masterclass with the artist.
In addition, among the various activities within the module of the Postgraduate Course in Documentary Photography and Reportage, students will attend the opening of the exhibition of French photographer Clementine Schneider, with whom they will have a meeting where they can share impressions and experiences relating to documentary photography.
The foundation is a must for all lovers of documentary photography. A space created to preserve Parr’s archive and legacy and to support a growing collection of works by unknown and emerging photographers, which include Richard Billingham, Elaine Constantine, Paul Graham, Simon Roberts and Graham Smith.
Cover photo: #TimeToParr by Martin Parr for Gucci (2018)