Fascinating post Neil. It was interesting to read so many different views. I like much of his work, but he is perhaps too prolific. He may be better to publish fewer books with more consistent quality. I think Simon Murphy’s reaction summarises best how I feel. I really like his early work, but I’m not so sure about his recent work. I’ll revisit in 20 years and let you know if my opinion has changed…
As for the person, I’m a little biased as I live half an hour away from the Martin Parr Foundation and regularly visit (I’m going to his talk on fashion on Monday). I’m very grateful that he does so much to champion British documentary photography and, via his many events (all very reasonably priced), have been in the presence of many iconic photographers of the last few decades. One of my most memorable moments was at a seminar day on 80’s documentary photography a few years ago when David Hurn introduced us to the work of Tish Murtha.
I did not take part in the poll because i neither hate or love Parr's work — i would have voted 'like' if there had been such an option. It's really interesting how different people react to the photographs: as @perfectlight notes here, we all see different things in one image.
Martin Parr seems to be a warm and nice person when you hear him talk, and i think that one of the things that his foundation does (https://www.martinparrfoundation.org/) is support contemporary British photographers.
Neil, this read was excellent. Incredibly well crafted, organized, and sequenced. The last part with the photographers' opinions was a great food for thought. Thank you so much for putting this together. Personally, I am not very familiar with his work, but now I'm very curious to check more of his œuvre. However, I'm certainly a fan of your writing!!
As perfectlight says below, his work on Ireland is great; but his work on Scotland a different kettle of fish, but I'm fond of the one of the solo swimmer in Gourock pool. His Scottish work was shown at Dunoon Burgh Hall many moons ago. The MPF do a lot in providing a voice for English photographers - see recent online sofa chat with founders of Format, and also Peter Mitchell, in a piece titled 'What would Martians find if they visited Leeds?' Another excellent piece Neil.
It's one of the most persistent myths in the world of "criticical thinking about photography" that Martin Parr is divisive or controversial. Every now and then this gets brought up again as a form of conversation making. If Martin Parr is controversial then so is the idea that earth is a sphere. Sure, there are a few people who will yell that it's flat, but really we all know it's a sphere and we all know Martin Parr is an important, talented, and in a certain sense groundbreaking photographer.
I have always felt that Parr has demonstrated that he is a skilled photographer with a great eye through his black and white work. His early b+w might well have made even HCB happy.
In some ways it is simple; if you can show you know your craft, I for one can forgive a lot more when you go off on a tangent.
Think of all those who declare that their six year old can 'do' a Picasso, but when you look at Picasso's early sketches and early-career paintings you know that Picasso was a skilled draftsman and a great painter by anyone's measure. Such a foundation in skill and knowledge is what allows the painter, or indeed the photographer to go wherever they please in their work. Parr is perhaps not a Picasso, but he is a gifted photographer. I like a lot of what he shoots, though I do find it a little repetitive of late.
His very direct comment on tourism in particular begs the question: Why is it OK to dress and behave badly on holidays, knowing full well one would never dare do so at home?
A very interesting post. Thank you! Just a quick note in closing: You have quoted a number of photographers, who have said what they feel. This is great! Why would you include an anonymous comment? Maybe she wishes to remain anonymous because what she says is….. anyways ;0)
first thing before it slips my mine, I couldn’t honestly answer the poll question as the choices were too extreme, I neither hate or love his photography. But thank you for your article on Martin Parr. When I really began smelling the fix in the morning in the 80’s I was all about the social commentary, the human condition..HCB, the eastern european photographers, all influenced my approach, mostly in the West of Scotland and the Thatcher years, in black and white. My politics were always left of center, so when HCB and others either dismissed or criticized Parr I wondered if Magnum was a good fit, and then I pretty much dismissed him..although I think Cartier Bresson was on the verge of stepping back from the agency as he was disillusioned with its commercial direction. To be fair I have never seen a Parr Exhibition which to me is the best way to experience a photographer’s work.. I saw a film on Parr at the london flower show, with his modern camera, fill in flash, I think it was a zoom lens, laughing, but he did succeed in documenting a very British experience.. right down to the types of flowers on display..to use another British term; “he’s not my cup of tea”, but If there was a local exhibit I would attend for sure.
Thank you for a well written thought provoking article, I do think there is a place in the photography world for Martin Parr, his work is done well, technically. Maybe after reading your article/insight, I will look at some of his work in a different light.
personally i love him and that't it. regarding photography he has everything:
- you want to see black and white photos "documentary" style? look at his photos of ireland
- you want to see colour? well ...
- you want to see humour? parr is your answer
- mocking? nobody better to mock the british society
and it's ok if you don't agree with me: we all look at the same photo but we see different things
Fascinating post Neil. It was interesting to read so many different views. I like much of his work, but he is perhaps too prolific. He may be better to publish fewer books with more consistent quality. I think Simon Murphy’s reaction summarises best how I feel. I really like his early work, but I’m not so sure about his recent work. I’ll revisit in 20 years and let you know if my opinion has changed…
As for the person, I’m a little biased as I live half an hour away from the Martin Parr Foundation and regularly visit (I’m going to his talk on fashion on Monday). I’m very grateful that he does so much to champion British documentary photography and, via his many events (all very reasonably priced), have been in the presence of many iconic photographers of the last few decades. One of my most memorable moments was at a seminar day on 80’s documentary photography a few years ago when David Hurn introduced us to the work of Tish Murtha.
A very enjoyable post, Neil, thank you.
I did not take part in the poll because i neither hate or love Parr's work — i would have voted 'like' if there had been such an option. It's really interesting how different people react to the photographs: as @perfectlight notes here, we all see different things in one image.
Martin Parr seems to be a warm and nice person when you hear him talk, and i think that one of the things that his foundation does (https://www.martinparrfoundation.org/) is support contemporary British photographers.
Neil, this read was excellent. Incredibly well crafted, organized, and sequenced. The last part with the photographers' opinions was a great food for thought. Thank you so much for putting this together. Personally, I am not very familiar with his work, but now I'm very curious to check more of his œuvre. However, I'm certainly a fan of your writing!!
As perfectlight says below, his work on Ireland is great; but his work on Scotland a different kettle of fish, but I'm fond of the one of the solo swimmer in Gourock pool. His Scottish work was shown at Dunoon Burgh Hall many moons ago. The MPF do a lot in providing a voice for English photographers - see recent online sofa chat with founders of Format, and also Peter Mitchell, in a piece titled 'What would Martians find if they visited Leeds?' Another excellent piece Neil.
It's one of the most persistent myths in the world of "criticical thinking about photography" that Martin Parr is divisive or controversial. Every now and then this gets brought up again as a form of conversation making. If Martin Parr is controversial then so is the idea that earth is a sphere. Sure, there are a few people who will yell that it's flat, but really we all know it's a sphere and we all know Martin Parr is an important, talented, and in a certain sense groundbreaking photographer.
What a wonderful read, I really enjoyed you getting other photographers opinions on his work!
I have always felt that Parr has demonstrated that he is a skilled photographer with a great eye through his black and white work. His early b+w might well have made even HCB happy.
In some ways it is simple; if you can show you know your craft, I for one can forgive a lot more when you go off on a tangent.
Think of all those who declare that their six year old can 'do' a Picasso, but when you look at Picasso's early sketches and early-career paintings you know that Picasso was a skilled draftsman and a great painter by anyone's measure. Such a foundation in skill and knowledge is what allows the painter, or indeed the photographer to go wherever they please in their work. Parr is perhaps not a Picasso, but he is a gifted photographer. I like a lot of what he shoots, though I do find it a little repetitive of late.
His very direct comment on tourism in particular begs the question: Why is it OK to dress and behave badly on holidays, knowing full well one would never dare do so at home?
A very interesting post. Thank you! Just a quick note in closing: You have quoted a number of photographers, who have said what they feel. This is great! Why would you include an anonymous comment? Maybe she wishes to remain anonymous because what she says is….. anyways ;0)
He’s narcissistic, best to ignore him
first thing before it slips my mine, I couldn’t honestly answer the poll question as the choices were too extreme, I neither hate or love his photography. But thank you for your article on Martin Parr. When I really began smelling the fix in the morning in the 80’s I was all about the social commentary, the human condition..HCB, the eastern european photographers, all influenced my approach, mostly in the West of Scotland and the Thatcher years, in black and white. My politics were always left of center, so when HCB and others either dismissed or criticized Parr I wondered if Magnum was a good fit, and then I pretty much dismissed him..although I think Cartier Bresson was on the verge of stepping back from the agency as he was disillusioned with its commercial direction. To be fair I have never seen a Parr Exhibition which to me is the best way to experience a photographer’s work.. I saw a film on Parr at the london flower show, with his modern camera, fill in flash, I think it was a zoom lens, laughing, but he did succeed in documenting a very British experience.. right down to the types of flowers on display..to use another British term; “he’s not my cup of tea”, but If there was a local exhibit I would attend for sure.
Thank you for a well written thought provoking article, I do think there is a place in the photography world for Martin Parr, his work is done well, technically. Maybe after reading your article/insight, I will look at some of his work in a different light.