Martin Parr Rocks the House
March 11, 2009
Superstar photographer Martin Parr, came to Brighton last night and gave a talk on his work at the University of Brighton. Garage Studios went along to check it out.
Photoworks (they commission new photography, produce exhibitions, initiate research and education projects, publish books and a biannual magazine) who are based just around the corner from Garage Studios, organised the talk and it must have been one of the hottest tickets in town. It was fully subscribed months ago.
Martin Parr spoke for just over an hour about a retrospective of his work from degree show to present day. It was a fascinating insight into one of the world’s best-known photographers and what makes him take photos. As well as hearing an insight into the photos that everyone knows and some background to them.
He spoke about what inspires him; how he takes photos and the work that you don’t always see, like the European fashion commissions. He seems to be incredibly prolific doing a few editorial jobs a month as well as fashion shoots, personal projects, book projects. As well as collecting the most bizarre items, like Saddam watches, Thatcher plates, Obama kitsch, that he has just agreed to donate to the V&A museum. He has also traveled all over the world documenting the subjects that interest him. There were many people in the audience who must have been very jealous of him for doing the commercial jobs, as well as his outstanding personal work and getting paid to do this and see the world.
Here are a few snaps from last night and if you’d like to find out more about Martin Parr have a look at his website.
And keep an eye out for more talks from Photoworks
