Martin Parr expo in Paris

[bruno]

Hello,

 

at the "Maison Europeenne de la Photographie" there's a Martin Parr

exhibition running until 18th of semptember. Been there sunday, things

you cannot just "see" on the internet or in a book (except from

quality prints):

 

1. His diploma thesis. As a thesis he didn't do some pictures, but

filled a room with kitch stuff. You have to be there, inside.

 

2. The mating game.

 

3. A few documentaries on his way of working, his approach to people.

I always liked his ironic style, but after seeing some interviews

there's more to it, or at least there's more about his method,

expecially for the older pictures. There's this cool thing where he

goes around with a video camera and he interviews people on the

meaning of being "english"... gosh.

 

4. A "Margaret Tatcher" ashtray with the "falkland island invasion

commemoration".

 

Plus, if you happen to go there, there's at the "St. Paul / Marais"

metro station a woman selling books on the street. You can get a copy

of Paris Mon Amour (233 photos, hardcover, approx 20x30cm) for 12

Euros. No, it's not second hand. Yes, the price is 12 Euros.

[eddie_g1]

Right on, Bruno. I went to the exhibit last month. A worthy experience, definitely some intriguing stuff, and like you said, walking through those installations really puts you inside his world, or his mind I guess. Just to build on that: There's a neat little Parr exhibit in Madrid, part of Photo Espana, showing his new material called Parking Spaces (he travels throughout the world taking ironic and iconic photos of that unattainable thing, the space to park one's car). Also, while in Paris, I should mention that along the gates of the Jardin Luxembourg is a free exhibit of these huge photos taken by Reporters without Borders photographers--some pretty incredible images there.

[Spearhead]

Is this a travelling show? I haven't been able to find out anything about it showing beyond Paris.

[bruno]

Jeff, I don't think so, it's a retrospective, usually these things are arranged only as one-time shows. Anyhow, I checked on the magnum website, and it looks like this thing is going on only in Paris.

[doris_chan]

"it's a retrospective, usually these things are arranged only as one-time shows"

 

The retrospective was first shown in London, and there's a nice Phaidon book to go

with it giving a really good overview of the changes in his work.

[bruno]

Ok, I was wrong then :)

 

But in the book you won't see the living room or the margaret tatcher ashtray :)

[eugene_scherba]

they also show films about photography starting from 17h right there in the maison's theater.

[bruno]

Didn't know about the films... I'll check it next time I'm in Paris.

[terry_rory]

"But in the book you won't see the living room or the margaret tatcher ashtray :)"

 

The 'living room' (Home Sweet Home Project) is to be found in the book on pages 38 through to 53.

 

Margaret Thatcher ashtray is on page 344 along with pictures of many of his other ashtrays.