Martin Parr

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Martin Parr (born 1952) is a British documentary photographer and photojournalist. He has worked on many photographic projects that take a critical look at modern society, specifically consumerism, foreign travel and tourism, motoring, the idea of family and relationships and food.

Parr is known for his lurid, and sometimes shocking, use of colour in photography. His satirical, witty approach to documentary photography leaves the viewer not sure whether to laugh or cry.

He has had numerous books published, and exhibitions worldwide - including a very successful exhibition recently in London at the Barbican Arts Centre. Parr is also a member of the Magnum Photos Agency - a group of esteemed photojournalists.

Since the 1970s Parr has collected and publicised the garish postcards made between the 1950s and 1970s by John Hinde and his team of photographers. The images made by Hinde and his team are a key influence on Parr's colour photography.

He has also made a film, It's Nice Up North with comedian Graham Fellows as his character John Shuttleworth. It is a comic documentary filmed in Shetland. It was made over a couple of years and released in 2006.