Words Alessandro Asciutto
Photography Niccolò Berretta
Martin Parr possesses a distinctive photographic style, characterized by its anthropological depth and unique voice, which captures the essence of contemporary society. With a profound connection to Rome, Parr has visited the city at least twenty times. In 2006, he published “Tutta Roma,” a compelling exploration of mass tourism’s impact on the “eternal city.” Through Parr’s lens, Rome emerges as a vibrant metropolis, bustling with enthusiastic and curious tourists who become integral parts of its urban tapestry.
Currently, Parr graces Rome as a special guest for the International Photo Festival, prompting me to seize the opportunity to delve into his relationship with the city. Over a delightful evening, we indulged in some exquisite pasta at Bucatino, nestled in Testaccio, my preferred eatery renowned for its authentic Roman cuisine and proximity to my home. Accompanying us was Nicolò, another talented photographer who captured some charming moments with Martin.
What is Rome for Martin Parr?
I like tourism, I like tourists and there are plenty in Rome. It is absolutely amazing. Yesterday was national day and I’ve never seen so many.
What attracts you about tourism?
What people do in their spare time. Tourism is a huge industry in the world, it is always expanding. Despite the financial prices, everyone still goes away on tourist trips.
Today, you’re a special guest at the Street Photography Festival. You prefer calling yourself a documentary photographer. What’s the difference between street photography and documentary photography, in your view?
You can argue but to me, there is not so much difference between street photography and documentary photography. I see myself as a documentary photographer first but I take many pictures in the street.
Could you share your earliest memory from your journey as a photographer?
I think it was with my father, on frozen stream, near our house in Chessington.
Henry Cartier Bresson said you were from another planet. Which one exactly? Jokes aside, can you talk about the relationship you had with him?
Cartier Bresson came to my opening in the Centre National de Photographie in Paris and he did like the pictures and he wrote that night that I was from another plane, and I wrote back saying that I understood his point of view but why shoot the messenger.
In the film Hook directed by Steven Spielberg with Robin William, captain hook is afraid of clocks, maybe you are too. What’s behind the idea of collecting the Saddam Hussein watches?
I have strange collections that include its Saddam Hussein watches and space dogs, I don’t know why and how I collect these things. Photographing is a form collecting as well…
In an interview, you said you love talking about your death because it unnerves people. Are you afraid of death?
Not particularly, I know it’s gonna happen… I could handle talking about death, the project will be finished by then.
When considering the management of your foundation after your passing, what vision do you hold for its future stewardship?
Yeah, when I am gone the foundation will continue, it will host my own archive and it will be continuing the everyday activities, collecting work from british photographers, it will continue to have events and seminars. Funds will be set up and we have a well-defined management structure, so yeah, the foundation will survive after my passing.
What’s your favourite moment in art history?
I don’t have one really.
Where do you get inspired?
Just going out and seeing the people in Rome inspires me. I’ve never seen tourism so crazy and I like to see tourism go crazy… You know, today they started charging 5 euros to enter in Venice, so that’s quite a dramatic altern of events for tourism. Maybe they have to do the same in Rome, actually it will be impossible to do that because there are too many entrances in Rome.
What’s your favourite colour?
My favourite colour is red.
How does Rome differ from other cities you’ve photographed in terms of its visual characteristics and street life?
Rome is not dissimilar from other great Italian cities like Florence, Venice, Turin and Naples, where all the classics are Colosseum, Pantheon, Piazza Venezia, Trevi fountain which is so busy that I can’t see it, but this is what makes me happy.
Rome has a rich history and a distinct cultural identity. What initially drew you to the city as a subject for your photography?
Because it’s very famous for tourism and maybe after Venice the most popular visited. Today I felt it was the most popular. I just go to the same places in Rome, from Trevi to the Colosseum. And in Navona!
Your photographs often reveal the quirks and idiosyncrasies of human behaviour. How do you find these moments amidst the chaos of the city streets?
I look all the time for human behaviour so when I am in Rome there is not a difference to be in another city. Nowadays, lots of people on their smartphones so I photograph people on their smartphones.
You’ve long been captivated by the Pope and the profound effect he has on people. Back in the 70s, you photographed his arrival in Ireland. Since then, have you had other opportunities to photograph him? And have you ever had the chance to capture him up close?
No, I have never been close to the Pope. I photograph the people who watch the pope. I have been in some of the events held in piazza San Pietro, like on sundays or during easter with different popes, especially the polish one.
Your photography often addresses issues of consumerism and globalization. What message do you hope viewers take away from your work?
I never expect anyone anything from my work, I am glad if they came and see it, I try to make well design images.
Can you share any memorable experiences or encounters you’ve had while working on a photography project in Rome?
I remember a few times when I was tempted to be pickpocketed, close to the steps there. You know, I have my wallet here and it is pretty impossible to get in there, but you never know so, I might be clever enough.
The beach is a very prominent theme throughout your work. Have you been to the beaches close to Rome?
I have been to beaches close to Rome but only very quickly.
In 2022 I saw a beautiful exhibition at Villa Medici Toilet Paper & Martin Parr. Could you provide insights about this collaboration?
I know Maurizio Cattelan very well and we worked on projects together. I have done the one with Toilet paper with him, we’ve been shooting together. I should see him again soon this summer. It could have been nice to see the project where we had the big picture together, but I was away and I missed it. But I saw it in still pictures.
