Martin Parr** (born May 23, 1952) is a British documentary photographer, photojournalist, and photobook collector. He is best known for his unique approach to capturing everyday life, often highlighting the absurdities and idiosyncrasies of modern society with a satirical and humorous tone.
Parr was born in Epsom, Surrey, England, and developed an interest in photography at a young age, influenced by his grandfather, an amateur photographer. He studied photography at Manchester Polytechnic (now Manchester Metropolitan University) from 1970 to 1973.
In the 1980s, Parr gained prominence with his series *The Last Resort* (1986), which documented the working-class seaside resort of New Brighton, near Liverpool. The series, known for its vibrant colors and candid shots, marked a significant shift in British photography and established Parr’s distinctive style.
Throughout his career, Parr has focused on themes such as consumer culture, social class, and leisure activities, often using exaggerated colors and close-up compositions to emphasize the quirks of modern life. His work has been both celebrated and critiqued for its unflinching look at the ordinary and sometimes uncomfortable aspects of society.
Parr has published over 100 photobooks and has had his work exhibited globally, including at prestigious institutions like the Tate Modern and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York. He was also a member of Magnum Photos, an elite cooperative of photographers, where he served as president from 2013 to 2017.
In addition to his photography, Martin Parr is an avid photobook collector and has curated several exhibitions and books on the subject. His contributions to the world of photography have made him one of the most influential and recognized photographers of his generation.
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