At the time I couldn’t wrap my head around why his work was controversial. I just really liked it.
I was lucky enough to meet him at one of his talks about 10 years ago.
I guess it’s all opinion ut I think he was one of all time greats of photography. As good as Cartier-Bresson or Eggleston.
At the same time he was completely down to earth and approachable. He happily signed my copy of Last Resort and had a chat.
Later when someone else wanted a photo with him he suggested I should take it because I “looked like a photographer”.
It was just a throw away comment but… well, it meant a lot to me.
I heard someone say "He made the ordinary look extraordinary" that seems to be a good epitarph.
I have mixed feelings about Mr Parr's work. I should mention that I was born and grew up in New Brighton[1]. He did seem to have a specific view of people and the world that is not one that I think I share.
On the other hand, his use of large format cameras with colour film and wide-angle lenses and on-camera flash fill in was a breath of fresh air back in the day. 73 isn't that old so hope is family and loved ones are OK.
[1] https://www.magnumphotos.com/arts-culture/society-arts-cultu...
