A landmark Martin Parr exhibition is coming to Foam in Amsterdam

Running from April 3rd to August 12th, 2026, at the Foam, the exhibition, titled Very Modern and Rather Ugly, pays tribute to one of the most influential figures in documentary photography. This major exhibition brings together Parr’s most iconic series, offering a sharp and often humorous reflection on contemporary life through his unmistakable photographic style.

Spanning more than five decades, the exhibition explores Parr’s fascination with everyday rituals, consumer culture and social behaviours, transforming the ordinary into something visually striking and conceptually charged.

Martin Parr photography: iconic series and social commentary

At the centre of the exhibition is Common Sense (1999), a lively installation of 270 close-up images that examine global consumer culture with bright colours and sharp irony. From fast food to tourist kitsch, these images magnify the excesses and contradictions of modern life.

Another highlight is The Last Resort (1983–85), which marks Parr’s decisive shift to colour photography. This series captures the British seaside in all its chaotic charm, with images of sunburnt skin, crowded beaches and the raw poetry of leisure culture. In contrast, The Non-Conformists (mid-1970s) offers a quieter, black-and-white portrayal of rural communities in England, revealing the photographer’s early documentary sensibility.

The series Autoportrait (2002) adds a conceptual layer to the exhibition by compiling portraits of Parr taken around the world and subtly questioning the conventions and universality of portrait photography itself.

A unique perspective on documentary photography

Acclaimed for his saturated palette, direct flash and sharp focus, Parr has developed a distinctive style that is both playful and critical. His images blur the line between humour and discomfort, exposing the absurdity in everyday life and redefining the visual language of documentary photography.

Alongside a dedicated reading room showcasing Parr’s extensive photobook collection, the exhibition reflects his enduring influence as a curator, editor and storyteller, cementing his legacy as a seminal figure in contemporary photography.