Boring Postcards USA by Martin Parr

Boring Postcards USA by Martin Parr

In Boring Postcards Magnum photographer and postcard enthusiast Martin Parr brought together 160 of the dullest postcards of 1950s, 60s and 70s Britain to make a book that was, contrary to the conceit of its title, both fascinating and extremely funny. It was one of those ideas that seemed so obvious that no one could believe it hadn't been done before, and it caught the public imagination in a big way. In Britain Boring Postcards was discussed everywhere from daytime TV shows to art and design magazines, from local newspapers and radio stations (outraged that their town should be labelled 'boring') to Time magazine. Now Parr has turned his attention to the USA for a new book of Boring Postcards. Just as before, for a postcard to qualify as sufficiently 'boring', either its composition, its content, or the characters featured must be arguably boring or the photograph must be absent of anything that might conventionally be described as interesting. As the study of postcards becomes a field of academic interest, this book offers more than amusement: as a folk art recording of the non-places and non-events of post-war America, it reveals poignant insights into its social, cultural and architectural values.

'Such American hot spots.. may have been boring then - or, stranger yet, they may not have been - but they're so cheesy now they're delicious.'(The Wall Street Journal)

'A wry collection of American gems.' (Metropolitan Home)

'Boring Postcards USA reads as a technicolor-toned paean to the optimism of postwar America.' (Interiors)

'A magnificent compendium … has a hypnotic feel, and is a reminder that America isn’t all the Grand Canyon, Yosemite and New York skyline.' (Simon Hoggart, Guardian)

The work of Martin Parr bridges the divide between art and documentary photography. His studies of the idiosyncrasies of mass culture and consumerism around the world, his innovative imagery and his prolific output have placed him firmly at the forefront of contemporary art. A member of the international photo agency Magnum, Parr is an avid collector of books and a world authority on the photobook.

SKU	Unavailable
ISBN 13	9780714840000
ISBN 10	0714840009
Title	Boring Postcards USA
Author	Martin Parr
Condition	Unavailable
Publisher	Phaidon Press Ltd
Year published	2000-10-16
Number of pages	176
Cover note	Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
Note	Unavailable