Martin Parr (non BS)

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jtk

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https://www.theguardian.com/artandd...tin-parr-photos-wales-national-museum-cardiff

8136.jpg
 

benjiboy

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Jones Griffiths was right, Parr is one British photographer I can't stand, and him rising to the top at Magnum is a triumph of the mediocre.
 

Colin Corneau

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He does what he does. At the risk of sounding glib, I think that's the highest goal of a photographer...it's not enough to say "make pretty pictures", you have to truly know yourself AND then translate that into your images...basically, two hard tasks for anybody, really.

It's OK that it's not to your taste. The entirety of photography is such that one person's idea of awful is another's idea of artistic brilliance, so that argument's null.

Find out who you are and what you are best at photographing, then produce that. No mean feat but the purpose of a photographer, isn't it?
 

logan2z

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I have mixed feelings about Martin Parr. On the one hand I really enjoyed 'The Last Resort' - some brilliant stuff there - but don't at all understand his work photographing food and other such projects. He certainly doesn't seem to fit the Magnum mould so it's not surprising that his admittance was, and continues to be, controversial.
 

Ian Grant

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I was hesitant about Martin Parr's work initially, but it's a valid approach and more akin to Cartier Bresson's Decisive Moment than Philip Griffin Jones who I don't rate as highly as Don McCullen or Robert Capa who was another founder of Magnum like Bresson.

If art and photography weren't diverse life would be boring. I now appreciate Martin Parr's work and enjoy it, it's also an important part of documenting life. I van understand why some don't like his work.

Ian
 

benjiboy

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Everyone is entitled to have an opinion , I don't like Martin Parr or his work.
 

CMoore

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Everyone is entitled to have an opinion , I don't like Martin Parr or his work.
I cannot quite put my finger on it.
I love "Rock & Roll" but i Do Not like the tone of Eddie Van Halen. I think he is a talented player, but i cannot stand his tone.
I think Guy Bordin and Helmut Newton are capable photographers, but i Do Not (at all) like their fashion photography.

Martin Parr....... i guess i think he has a "mediocre" eye. I do not particularly like anything he does. I cannot think of any other successful photographer that hits me the way he does.
But that is how Art goes......LOTS of people think he is great, so what can you say.?
Magnum likes him. :wink:
 

David Lingham

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I live in Cardiff, and have seen this exhibition. While he is not someone who produces work I like, it is worthwhile seeing. It is shown in the “David Hurn gallery” a new space within the museum. The opening show last year was David Hurns Swaps exhibition that was excellent. The hope for the future is it will show a broad spectrum of photography there.
 
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jtk

jtk

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Jones Griffiths was right, Parr is one British photographer I can't stand, and him rising to the top at Magnum is a triumph of the mediocre.

Magnum is substantially an AGENCY, a marketing business. It was founded specifically to market FOR Magnum members. Magnum isn't a popularity contest.
 

Helios 1984

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You might be thinking of..... Brian Duffy.?
In contrast, Mr Duffy was an excellent photographer. :smile:
Where did you read that?

Would increase price of his existing prints. :smile:

In any case I'd guess most everybody's film gets trashed eventually.

Parr books are where most of the $ value lies.

My mistake, as CMoore mentioned, it was Brian Duffy.
 

Ian Grant

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That is entirely irrelevant. Magnum doesn't intend to appeal to every taste. Many photographers are honored by membership.

Magnum is a collective and full membership is at the discretion of the existing full members so the conclusion is despite one discontent the rest approved Martin Parr.

Last year I bought a mint condition Martin Parr book in a Charity sop, it was cheap, more amazing it was signed by Martin and still had the publishers sales postcard, it had oblivious been an unwanted present :D

Ian
 

Ian Grant

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I think people who don't like Martin Parr's work need to write a short essay on why :D

Perhaps his work is too close to their own perceived life style so it's disturbing. I did at first but then saw he was right and I only just crosse ito his view. He will go down in history as being one of the most important UK photographers in his era.

Ian
 

logan2z

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i never "got" ansel adams photography... then i got into b&w photography and it became clear - not my taste, but i got it and appreciate it as his artistic expression. i also have to wait on martin parr.... hmmm.:errm:
I'm with you on Ansel Adams, maybe I'm just not romantic enough :tongue:. I much prefer a "boring" Robert Adams landscape.

Not to derail this thread, but on the subject of seemingly successful photographers that I don't 'get', I have to put Alec Soth into that category. I just don't find his work very appealing. Making prints the size of a barn door doesn't really help me to get the work either.
 
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