Parr’s grandfather encouraged his early interest
in photography, and he studied at the Manchester School of Art.
In the early 1980s, Parr produced a series of photographs of New
Brighton, a run-down seaside resort outside Liverpool. The gaudy
and sometimes grotesque imagery of these works seemed to reflect
the spirit of Thatcher’s Britain, while echoing the tradition
of tacky seaside postcards.
More recently, Parr has addressed themes of consumerism,
mass tourism and globalisation with a distinctive wit and sense
of irony. In Common Sense (1995-9), he uses bright colours
and exaggerated close-ups to explore the excesses of contemporary
capitalism. Motifs such as heads, hats, hands, food and dogs are
repeated throughout, creating a snatched catalogue of our all too
familiar shortcomings.
Martin Parr, from Common Sense 1995-1999.
Martin Parr, courtesy Rocket Gallery
Martin Parr, from Common Sense 1995-1999.
Martin Parr, courtesy Rocket Gallery
