Martin Parr's colourful take on Britishness

Martin Parr’s unmistakeable style - colourful, satirical and direct - has made him one of the most revered and unique photographers of recent times.

Parr’s third retrospective at the Stephen Daiter Gallery, Chicago, presents works from some of his most significant series over the past 30 years, including A Fair Day, Bad Weather and Think of England.

England is the enduring landscape of Parr’s work. The likes of Scarborough, Bristol and Hemel Hempstead are the focus of his photographs that capture quintessential Englishness through a lens that is at once affectionate and satirical.

He turns his eye to the ordinary and idiosyncratic: the British seaside scene, family outings, charity shops and cupcakes are favourite subjects. The exhibition shows Parr to be a constant and keen observer.

His pictures manage to be both playful and sharply documented moments. They are ironic, unflattering and without grandeur and still encourage a smile.

A small series of Parr’s early black-and-white photographs of street and beach scenes contrast with the colourfulness of his later work, and show a gentler side that reflects his dynamic approach.