Martin Parr in Wales
Martin Parr in Wales
As part of its 2019 photography season, the National Museum Wales is currently exhibiting a selection of images made in Wales over the last four and a half decades by Martin Parr, one of the most influential and prolific photographers working today.
The photographer was drawn to the country in part by his ongoing fascination with documenting the people of the British Isles at leisure, but also covered Wales’ working men’s clubs, agricultural and mining industries, and of course, it’s food. The exhibition in Cardiff will show many works never previously exhibited.
The show will run until 4 May 2020.
The accompanying book, Martin Parr in Wales, is published by National Museum Wales and is available now on the Martin Parr Foundation’s shop.
(Martin Parr at “Martin Parr in Wales” exhibition – Museum Cardiff 2019)
Over the last forty years, Parr has recorded people, places and cultures in the UK and beyond, exploring themes of leisure, consumption, and communication. His humorous and affectionate portrayal of modern life has changed the way we understand society and its many nuances.
Martin Parr has always been drawn to Wales, having lived just over the border in nearby Bristol for thirty years.
Throughout that time, he has undertaken several editorial and cultural commissions, covering subjects from working men’s clubs to coal mining. This exhibition brings together, for the first time, works that explore different aspects of Welsh life and culture, from male voice choirs and national sports to food, festivals and the seaside.
Hardcover: 96 pages
Publisher: National Museum Wales Books (October 11, 2019)
Language: English
Size: 9.4 x 6.2 x 0.5 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
ISBN-10: 0720006457
ISBN-13: 978-0720006452
Martin Parr studied photography at Manchester Polytechnic, from 1970 to 1973. Since that time, Martin Parr has worked on numerous photographic projects. He has developed an international reputation for his innovative imagery, his oblique approach to social documentary, and his input to photographic culture within the UK and abroad. In 1994 he became a full member of Magnum Photographic Corporation. In recent years, he has developed an interest in filmmaking, and has started to use his photography within different conventions, such as fashion and advertising. In 2002 the Barbican Art Gallery and the National Media Museum initiated a large retrospective of Martin Parr’s work. This show toured Europe for the next 5 years. Martin Parr was appointed Professor of Photography in 2004 at The University of Wales Newport campus. Martin Parr was Guest Artistic Director for Rencontres D’Arles in 2004. In 2006 Martin Parr was awarded the Erich Salomon Prize and the resulting Assorted Cocktail show opened at Photokina. In 2008 Martin Parr was guest curator at New York Photo Festival, curating the New Typologies exhibition. At PhotoEspana, 2008, Martin Parr won the Baume et Mercier award in recognition of his professional career and contributions to contemporary photography. Martin Parr will be curating the Brighton Photo Biennial in Oct 2010.
