Work by Martin Parr, one of the world’s leading photographers, is to be the first special exhibition in the new BP Galleries at Aberdeen Art Gallery.
The exhibition will feature two bodies of work by the internationally acclaimed photographer, Think of Scotland and Aberdeen at Leisure.
Developed over a 25-year period, Think of Scotland explores leisure, landscape, food and community as Mr Parr visits locations across the length and breadth of the country, from Ayrshire to Aberdeenshire and from Orkney to the Western Isles.
Speaking of the lure that keeps calling him back to Scotland, Parr explains: “It’s a very beautiful country and the people are great. The social scene is interesting. It’s different from where I live in Bristol, it’s rougher and more engaging and quite dramatic. That difference really appeals to me.”
The second body of work, Aberdeen at Leisure, has been specially commissioned by Aberdeen Art Gallery. Over several visits to the city in 2017 Parr photographed Aberdonians at leisure in locations as diverse as sporting venues, places of worship and nightclubs.
The commission not only celebrates the re-opening of Aberdeen Art Gallery, but also creates a lasting legacy to inspire future generations of photographers, with a new series of images made in Aberdeen by one of the world’s foremost photographers.
Mr Parr added: “I am excited to share my portrait of Aberdeen with the citizens who appear in it. There is never a better audience than the subjects themselves, who are pictured here enjoying the incredible variety of leisure activities Aberdeen has to offer.”
Councillor Marie Boulton, Aberdeen City Council’s culture spokesperson, said: “The major investment in Aberdeen Art Gallery means that we can attract world class exhibitions such as Martin Parr: Think of Scotland to the city, which people would otherwise have had to travel considerable distances to see, enjoy and be inspired by.
“We know from the experiences of other cities around the world who have invested in this way that the arts can be a transforming force in the fortunes of any city or region.”
The Art Gallery will re-open to the public on Saturday 2 November following a landmark redevelopment.
