Parrworld

Loud colours, strange patterns and concise narratives are what characterise the photographs of Martin Parr (born in Bristol in 1952). While some of his images may seem over the top, they are always astonishingly inventive and richly humorous. Over the last thirty years, Parr has been documenting Western society, and in particular his fellow citizens of the United Kingdom. However, he is also interested in phenomena linked to globalisation such as mass tourism, consumerism and so-called leisure. His work is seen as a satirical look at contemporary life which unmasks the grotesque element behind banality.

As a member of the legendary Magnum agency, Parr is one of the most active and dynamic photographers at work today. Since the 1980s he has published some thirty books and shown his photographs in countless group and solo shows.

Produced in collaboration with the Haus der Kunst in Munich, the exhibition “Planète Parr” proposes a dialogue between the artist’s photographs (his latest series, “Luxury”) and his vast collection of objects. It reveals the keenness of Parr’s vision and his fascination with the everyday, and features a mixture of the personal and the collective, with works by recognised artists alongside popular art.
This is the first exhibition to feature not only his extraordinary collection of photography books and prints by British and international photographers, but also large numbers of objects and curiosities closely reflecting political and social events (Saddam Hussein watches, Osama Bin Laden toilet paper and Margaret Thatcher teapots), or the absurdity and vacuity of our consumer society (the objects sought out and collected by Parr are dominated by the biggest packet of potato crisps ever sold).

Exhibition curated by: Thomas Weski.
This exhibition is organised by Haus der Kunst, Munich,
in collaboration with Jeu de Paume, Paris.

It was realised with the contribution of British Council,

and in partnership with:
Regional Committee of Tourism Paris Île-de-France, Eurostar, Paris & Création of Galeries Lafayette.
À Nous, Arte, aufeminin.com, Blast, Courrier international, de l’air, La Tribune, Evene.fr, Le Figaro, Le Figaroscope, Paris Mômes, Wombat, France Info and FIP.

Jeu de Paume thanks Little Greene,
and also Fnac, Modem, Magnum, Galerie Kamel Mennour and Ensba.

The exhibition “Planète Parr” is taking part in the “PLEIN SOLEIL/L’ÉTÉ DES CENTRES D’ART 09” programme.

Exhibition design: Jasmin Oezcebi / Franck Vinsot.