Martin Parr
dal 5/2/2009 al 20/3/2009
Segnalato da
5/2/2009
Martin Parr
Galerie Nicola von Senger, Zurich
Luxury comprises 35 works created between 2004 and 2008 depicting people in a world abundant with extravagance and vain treasures; a rather logical continuation of themes often addressed in his work as well as a contribution to current issues such as discrepancies in the distribution of wealth and criticism of the capitalist system.
Gallery Nicola von Senger is pleased to present selected works from Martin Parr’s photographic series Luxury. After completing his studies in photography at Manchester Polytechnic, Parr (b. 1952 Epsom, Surrey GB) quickly evolved into one of the most influential contemporary photographers working today. Parr has been a full member of Magnum Photos Cooperative since 1994 and in 2004 was appointed professor of photography at the University of Wales. Luxury comprises 35 works created between 2004 and 2008 depicting people in a world abundant with extravagance and vain treasures; a rather logical continuation of themes often addressed in his work as well as a contribution to current issues such as discrepancies in the distribution of wealth and criticism of the capitalist system.
On a formal level, Parr is recognized for the brilliant use of colour in his photographs; thematically for his stinging documentation of social behaviour – particularly that of consumption and leisure. As a chronicler of our times, Parr describes his photographs as an original, accessible and entertaining commentary by an independent observer. He holds a looking glass up to society and its tastes and trends. “Dramatic, glamorous, over-the-top, I think that’s what we’re looking for,” reads a title of one his works in his photo-essay Signs of the Times (1992) – which also fits for Luxury. Millionaires’ trade shows, horse races and art events set the ideal stage for Parr to make his close range observations of the upper class. Parr’s interests lay less with stereotypes than with the ongoing interplay between idealized images, conventions and real people. Parr’s photos are simultaneously revealing and tongue-in-cheek but it is the precise composition and compelling luminance that infuse his images with a lasting fascination. His stylistic refinement parallels exactly that which underlies luxury: a goal that all aspire to but only few attain.
Whether it’s a member of the jet-set partaking of an exquisite canapé or an extravagant blouse strangely transformed into a camouflage suit before a contemporary painting or an upturned champagne bottle as a statement on the tedium of excess, Martin Parr accompanies high society with a tranquil wit. Sunglasses, jewellery, puppy dogs and race cars – all the accessories are set bluntly in the scene and Parr succeeds in similarly capturing both the eccentricities and uniformity of these various emblems of Luxury. Beauty and coveted status symbols are held in check by their peculiarities and Parr’s meticulous view of the unintentionally comical. With a nearly magical gift for capturing precisely the right moment, Parr records gestures and poses as if making a critical, but not condemning, survey of the existence of the ostentatiously wealthy. In Martin Parr’s distinctive photography, familiar scenes are presented in a new light. With humour and astheticism, ultimately his images emphasize just how ordinary and human Luxury is.
Rémi Jaccard, December 2008
Translation: Elaine Vogel Keller
Opening feb 6, 2009
Galerie Nicola von Senge
Limmatstrasse 275 - Zuric
Free admission