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The Arts Intel Report

Martin Parr: Life's a Beach

Margate, Kent, England, 1986, shot by Martin Parr.

Apr 2 – June 26, 2022
The Square, Giant Bobby's Building, Bourne Ave, Bournemouth BH2 5LY, United Kingdom

“The fundamental thing I’m exploring constantly is the difference between the mythology of the place,” the British photographer Martin Parr explains, “and the reality of it.” Bearing this in mind, Parr travels around his native country, capturing bits and pieces of daily life with both introspection and satire. During the summers, he spends his days on the beach, photographing families, couples, and lone rangers lounging in the sand. The Brits aren’t exactly famous for being the most stylish of beach revelers, and with humor and charm Parr captures rundown seaside resorts in Margate, Ramsgate, and Broadstairs. Parr’s beach prints, from early shots in the 1970s to his color shots today, are the subject of this exhibition. —Elena Clavarino

Photo: Martin Parr/Magnum Photos