Strange and Familiar

Strange and Familiar: Britain as Revealed by International Photographers
Curated by Martin Parr

Barbican Art Gallery, Barbican Centre, UK: 16 March – 19 June 2016

Martin Parr has curated an intriguing documentary exhibition, which captures elements of the different social cultures that have been part of Britain over the last eighty years. Starting from the 1930’s, over twenty leading photographers work takes you through the decades of change. Each photographer’s observations portray a unique approach to photography.

I am always inspired to see images taken by the iconic masters, such as Henri Cartier-Bresson and Robert Frank. However, it is usually the work that is unknown to me that creates the most profound response. In this exhibition Shinro Ohtake and Hans Eijkelboom where just two of the photographers that I was discovering for the first time. Hans Eijkelboom work was particularly powerful. It highlighted how we are creatures of habit and by wearing the same styled cloths, motives, hats or other accessories we sign up to a particular tribe, maybe allowing us to comfortable fit into society?

The accompanying book, Strange and Familiar is worth purchasing and viewing whilst listening to the audio below.

Full list of exhibiting Photographers

Tina Barney (USA), Gian Butturini (Italy), Henri Cartier-Bresson (France), Bruce Davidson (USA), Raymond Depardon (France), Rineke Dijkstra (The Netherlands), Jim Dow (USA), Hans Eijkelboom (The Netherlands), Robert Frank (Switzerland), Bruce Gilden (USA), Frank Habicht (Germany), Candida Höfer (Germany), Evelyn Hofer (Germany), Axel Hütte (Germany), Sergio Larrain (Chile), Shinro Ohtake (Japan), Akihiko Okamura (Japan), Cas Oorthuys (The Netherlands), Gilles Peress (France), Paul Strand (USA), Edith Tudor-Hart (Austria), Hans van der Meer (The Netherlands) and Garry Winogrand (USA).

bruce davidson strange and familiar

Evelyn hofer strange and familiar

Evelyn hofer strange and familiar

Frank habicht strange and familiar

Jim Dow strange and familiar

Raymond depardon strange and familiar

axel hut strange and familiar

Hans eijkelboom strange and familiar

Hans eijkelboom strange and familiar

1. Bruce Davidson – Girl holding kitten, London 1960
2. Evelyn Hofer – Stray Dogs, London 1962
3. Evelyn Hofer – Band Wales 1965
4. Frank habicht – Time, Gentleman, Please! London 1960s
5. Jim Dow – Southward’s Sweet Shop, Scarborough – 3rd June 1983
6. Raymond Depardon –  Glasgow 1980
7. Axel Hutte – Cranbrook Estate, London, 1982-1984
8. Hans Eijkelboom – From, The street and Modern Life – 2014
9. Hans Eijkelboom – From, The street and Modern Life – 2014