Basil Pao and Martin Parr

The styles of Basil Pao and Martin Parr are very different and there’s absolutely no academic reason to group them together other than I’d like to draw your attention to their brilliant work.

Having said that there are two similarities. Both photographers are constantly taking pictures wherever they go and whatever they’re doing. The second similarity is their visual wit. They both frequently juxtapose elements in the image in a clever and very visual literate way and for me it is one of the key strengths of both photographers.

Martin has brought out a lovely book called Fashion. I think it is brilliant although very garish. Basil has been Michael Palin’s photographer on his BBC travel expeditions for the last 14 years. If you’re not aware of their work then you’re in for a treat. Get to a bookshop and take a look at their work in print. The screen just does not do it justice.

Cheers,
Paul

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