By Lee Minji
The highly anticipated exhibition, “We are Martin Parr,” makes its grand debut this Thursday at the prestigious Photography Seoul Museum of Art. This landmark event marks the first major retrospective in Asia dedicated to the renowned British photographer Martin Parr since his passing in late 2025, offering an unparalleled look into his extraordinary five-decade career.
Curated in a significant collaboration between Magnum Photos and the Martin Parr Foundation, this comprehensive exhibition spans five decades of Parr’s influential work, originating from the late 1970s. Visitors to the Photography Seoul Museum of Art will immerse themselves in approximately 500 striking black-and-white and vibrant color photographs, alongside a remarkable collection of 90 of his iconic photo books.
Born in 1952, Martin Parr rose to prominence for his distinctive approach to documenting everyday life. His lens famously turned to ubiquitous scenes in diverse locations, including bustling tourist destinations, vibrant fast-food restaurants, and everyday supermarkets. Through his signature use of exaggerated colors and densely layered compositions, Parr masterfully transformed familiar moments, presenting them to viewers in uniquely unfamiliar and thought-provoking ways.
A hallmark of Parr’s distinctive photography is his incisive yet humorous gaze. This unique perspective is evident whether he’s capturing resilient individuals in Britain and Ireland navigating inclement weather, or observing tourists eagerly documenting local cultural experiences, often inadvertently altering or “destroying” the very essence of that culture in their pursuit.
“His vibrant color photographs, his profound sense of irony, and his deep fascination with the ordinary truly challenged established conventions within documentary photography,” stated Andrea Holzherr, Global Cultural Director for Magnum Photos. Speaking at a press conference in Seoul on Wednesday, held in anticipation of the exhibition’s opening, Holzherr highlighted Parr’s enduring impact.
Holzherr further elaborated, “Martin Parr profoundly demonstrated that history is not solely confined to grand narratives of wars or political events, but is equally, if not more, vividly found in the everyday rituals and minutiae that fundamentally define who we are as societies.”
The expansive exhibition proudly features 14 of Parr’s most pivotal series, offering visitors an unparalleled journey through his thematic explorations. Notable inclusions range from the iconic “Small World” and the contemporary commentary of “Death by Selfie,” to the poignant observations in “Bored Couple,” and the seminal “The Last Resort.”
Significantly, to commemorate this groundbreaking first major retrospective in South Korea, the Photography Seoul Museum of Art has meticulously assembled one of the largest-ever collections of photographs from Parr’s dedicated “South Korea” and “North Korea” series. These powerful works provide a unique glimpse into the Koreas through his lens.
Parr’s engagement with the Korean Peninsula began with a visit to Pyongyang in 1997 as part of a group tour. He subsequently made several trips to South Korea between 1998 and 2007, building a substantial body of work.
Parr’s compelling photographs from Pyongyang masterfully blend elements of familiarity and unfamiliarity. They achieve this by contrasting scenes of ordinary North Koreans with highly symbolic backdrops, including monumental landmarks such as the statue of the late North Korean founder Kim Il-sung and the imposing Juche Tower, offering a rare and insightful perspective.
Conversely, his works from South Korea offer a vivid, outsider’s perspective on the nation’s dramatic rapid economic growth and its flourishing consumer culture. These striking images capture moments like a young boy exuberantly riding a supermarket cart amidst towering stacks of chips and soft drinks, or eager shoppers forming queues outside Lotte Department Store even before opening hours, illustrating the changing face of Korean society.
Son Hyun-jung, a dedicated curator at the museum who played a pivotal role in organizing this exhibition and had personal communications with Parr, fondly recalled the artist’s keen curiosity about South Korea’s transformations over the past three decades. She mentioned discussions regarding Parr’s plans to capture new photographic works in Seoul, underscoring his continuous engagement with the country.
“Through the artist’s unique gaze, which possesses the power to transform the ordinary into profound art by encouraging us to see it anew, we are ultimately invited to find a reflection of ourselves,” remarked Han Jung-hee, the esteemed museum director. She emphasized that the exhibition’s poignant title, “We are Martin Parr,” was chosen precisely with this reflective insight in mind.
This must-see exhibition will be on display at the Photography Seoul Museum of Art through October 18.
