Toni Amengual and Martin Parr at FujiKina: A Discussion on the Evolution, Impact, and Current Relevance of Documentary Photography
Toni Amengual, director of several Master's programmes at LABASAD, interviewed Martin Parr, the renowned British photographer and a leading figure in contemporary documentary photography.
On Saturday, November 16th, Barcelona became the global epicentre of photography with the celebration of FujiKina, an event that has firmly established itself as one of the most significant gatherings in the sector. Among the prominent speakers was Martin Parr, the legend of contemporary documentary photography, who captivated over 2000 attendees with a talk that, far from being a simple overview of his work, became an exploration of the evolution of photography and its relevance today. Parr highlighted photography’s role as a tool for social reflection and critique. The interview with Parr was conducted by Toni Amengual, a photographer, artist, and visual educator, known for his deep knowledge of the medium and his ability to provoke insightful reflections in a discerning audience.
Martin Parr is undoubtedly an indispensable figure in modern documentary photography. With his critical eye and unique approach that blends humour and satire, he has redefined the genre, turning it into a medium for questioning and reinterpreting reality. Known for his unmistakable style — vibrant colours and compositions laden with irony — Parr has become a chronicler of the Western middle class and its contemporary obsessions: tourism, consumerism, and superficiality. During his talk at FujiKina, Parr reaffirmed his belief that photography will never be replaced by artificial intelligence, making it clear that the essence of the medium lies in human perception and the act of capturing what we see and feel:
“Documentary photography is something that allows us to meet, relate to, and learn from the world around us. Something that will never happen through the production of synthetic images.”
The talk was not only an opportunity to hear Parr speak but also to see Toni Amengual in action. Amengual, artist, photographer, and visual educator, is recognised for his innovative approach to photography as a tool for exploration. He has received awards at various international competitions, and his work reflects a deep connection between photography and the interpretation of the environment. In addition to his professional practice, he combines his work with teaching as the co-director of the Online Master’s in New Documentary Photography in Spanish and English, and the director of the Online Master’s in Professional Photography in Spanish at LABASAD, where he trains new generations of photographers.
Amengual was chosen to interview Parr due to his extensive knowledge of the photographer and his ability to connect deeply with his audience. During the talk, he recalled his early experiences with Parr, when, in a workshop in Tárrega in 2010, he had the chance to delve into the British photographer’s working philosophy. For Amengual, Parr has been a constant source of inspiration, an example of how photography can be a tool for questioning and rediscovery:
“Sharing the stage with Martin Parr was an honour and a profoundly enriching experience. As a photographer, Martin has been a key figure who has marked a before and after in the genre and in my own career.”
Among the anecdotes Amengual shared, he highlighted a humorous moment before the talk began that added a light touch to the day. A journalist from El País had asked Amengual to act as a translator during an interview with Parr, who had arrived from Madrid and was delayed due to train issues. While they waited, Amengual seized the opportunity to hand Parr his latest publication, ORNAMENTO. Martin flipped through the book with his usual impassive expression, but the slight raise of his eyebrows was enough for Amengual to realise that he liked it. Trying to start a conversation, Amengual attempted to engage, but it’s no secret that Parr is not one for small talk.
It was at this moment that the journalist arrived, visibly rushed and somewhat embarrassed by the half-hour delay. With an uncomfortable gesture, he began pulling out an endless stack of papers with prepared questions, making it clear that he had done his best to be ready. A few minutes later, he looked at Amengual and, without hesitation, said: “This is the hardest interview I’ve ever done in my life.” The response, both amusing and surprising, revealed Parr’s imposing presence, capable of intimidating even the most experienced journalist. Amengual, for his part, could not help but find the situation humorous and, far from feeling daunted, thought to himself: “It’s just Martin Parr, the man who has revolutionised documentary photography over the past three decades.” And so, with an internal smile, he prepared not just to interview the photographer but to dive into a conversation that would leave a lasting impression on everyone present.
Attendees of the talk not only received a review of Martin Parr’s work but also a profound lesson on the relevance and evolution of documentary photography in the 21st century. According to Amengual, what stood out most to the audience was the chance to immerse themselves in the photographer’s reflections and the authenticity with which Parr approached each topic. The talk, which combined social critique, anthropological observation, and a notable dose of humour, captivated a young audience eager to learn, inspiring them to view the world with more attentive and curious eyes. Like Parr, attendees felt empowered to transform their everyday surroundings into meaningful art:
“It was a moment to celebrate photography as a universal language. On a personal level, it made me feel part of a global community that not only shows the world but interprets and transforms it.”
The connection between Parr’s work and contemporary concerns made this talk a milestone for reflecting on the future challenges photographers must face, proposing a path towards art that is increasingly engaged with the reality around us.
The presence of the British photographer reminded us that documentary photography remains a living and powerful language, an act of resistance and rediscovery of the everyday. Through Parr’s ironic and critical gaze, we understood that images not only document but interpret, question, and transform, giving voice to the invisible. This talk not only celebrated his legacy but also reaffirmed that photography, as an art and a medium of exploration, remains more relevant than ever. In a world where images are produced at a breakneck pace, it is crucial to remember that the true power of photography lies not in reproducing reality, but in making us question and reflect on it.
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