Text by Bethany Rex
Based in a converted 1950s goods shed, M Shed will exhibit a major retrospective of Martin Parr’s work, shown in Bristol for the first time since the artist moved to the city a quarter of a century ago.
M-Shed, Bristol’s latest new-museum, will tell the story of the city and its people, both the well-known and ordinary, across three main galleries, Bristol Places, Bristol People and Bristol Life. For Bristol and West, Parr will be focusing very much on the ordinary, showcasing images that focus on his continual interest in how people live, how they present themselves and their values.
In capturing the city and its surrounding areas, Parr presents a collection of images that are immediately accessible and entertaining, despite being both affectionate and critical. In true Parr style, Bristol and West captures the world as he sees it and not how people might expect it to be.
They include early morning swimmers braving the icy cold waters of the Severn Estuary in Clevedon, a quintessentially British game of bowls on an uncharacteristic glorious afternoon, an ice cream van in the upmarket hilltop community of Clifton, revellers at the St Paul’s Carnival and Bristol’s annual Caribbean street party.
As part of the Bristol and West exhibition visitors to M Shed will be invited to select their favourite images from the show. The most popular photographs chosen from the 60 images displayed will then become part of the M Shed’s permanent art collection.
The exhibition will be accompanied by a programme of events, including an in-conversation with Martin Parr on Tuesday 11 October 7pm. For further information, to book tickets, and to cast your vote visit the website.
Bristol and West: Photography by Martin Parr will be on display from Wednesday 31 August – Sunday 27 November.
Mshed.org
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Images:
Martin Parr/Magnum
