Martin Parr in Copenhagen – experience him in the city and at the theatre
When Copenhagen Photo Festival opens on 12 June, it’s with a vibrant and jam-packed programme – and one name shines particularly bright: British Magnum photographer Martin Parr. As the festival’s main highlight, Parr will be present both in the city and at the festival centre at The Royal Danish Theatre – and there are several ways to experience him and his work during the opening days.
Even though the opening talk with Martin Parr is already sold out, there are still plenty of opportunities to get close to the photographer and his sharp and witty take on modern life. We are also proud to announce that the conversation will be moderated by renowned curator Ingrid Fischer Jonge. She curated Parr’s last major exhibition in Denmark in 2003 at The Royal Library while heading the National Museum of Photography and knows his work inside out, a true scoop for this year’s programme.
Exhibition at The Royal Danish Theatre
At the main festival venue, Parr’s exhibition Tell Tale Mirrors unfolds across the theatre’s bars, balcony foyer and beautiful arched hallways – extending all the way onto the balcony overlooking Kongens Nytorv. His colourful visual universe is staged in dialogue with the theatre’s grand and historic setting. In a specially created book lounge, visitors can explore Parr’s iconic photo books and watch Louisiana Channel’s documentary about the photographer.
Martin Parr in the cityscape
Throughout the festival, you can also experience Parr’s distinctive photographs in the heart of Copenhagen, where his sharp and colour-saturated imagery enters into dialogue with the urban environment. At Kongens Nytorv, visitors can explore a glimpse of works from his series A Small World, while along the inner harbour five key locations – Nyhavn, Broens Gadekøkken, BLOX, Kayak Bar and Gammel Strand – feature images from his iconic series Life’s a Beach. Together, these open-air installations invite passers-by to see the familiar with fresh eyes.
Meet Martin Parr – day by day
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12 June
▸ VIP canal tour with Martin Parr as guide | Invited guests only
▸ Grand Opening at The Royal Danish Theatre | Day ticket or invitation required
▸ Conversation with Ingrid Fischer Jonge at The Royal Academy of Fine Arts | Sold out -
13 June
▸ Exclusive masterclass for selected photographers | Sold out
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14 June
▸ Guided artist tour of the exhibition at The Royal Danish Theatre | Limited tickets
▸ Book signing with Martin Parr at Photo Scene | Day ticket required
Don’t miss out!
Tickets to events featuring Martin Parr tend to sell out fast – so don’t wait too long to secure yours. Whether you experience him live, in the city or at the theatre, there are plenty of opportunities to catch a glimpse into his unique photographic universe during this year’s festival.
Get your day ticket to the festival center exhibition here
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Martin Parr i København – oplev ham i byrummet og på teatret
Når Copenhagen Photo Festival åbner den 12. juni, er det med et tætpakket og sprudlende program, og ét navn stråler særligt klart: den britiske Magnum-fotograf Martin Parr. Som festivalens hovednavn vil Parr være synlig både i byens rum og i festivalens centrum på Det Kongelige Teater – og der er flere måder at opleve ham og hans arbejde på i løbet af åbningsdagene.
Selvom åbningssamtalen med Martin Parr er udsolgt, er der heldigvis andre muligheder for at komme tæt på fotografen og hans skarpe blik på det moderne liv. Og vi er glade for at kunne løfte sløret for, at det er den anerkendte kurator Ingrid Fischer Jonge, der modererer samtalen – et scoop i sig selv for årets program. Hun har indgående kendskab til Parrs arbejde og stod bag hans seneste store udstilling i Danmark på Det Kongelige Bibliotek i 2003, dengang hun var leder af Det Nationale Fotomuseum.
Udstilling på Det Kongelige Teater
På festivalens hovedvenue folder Parrs udstilling Tell Tale Mirrors sig ud i barlokaler, balkonfoyer og teatrets smukke buegange – helt ud på balkonen med udsigt over Kongens Nytorv. Her iscenesættes hans farverige univers i samspil med stedets historiske og spektakulære rammer. I en særlig boglounge kan du dykke ned i hans ikoniske fotobøger og se Louisiana Channels dokumentar om fotografen.
Martin Parr i byrummet
Under hele festivalen kan du også opleve Parrs karakteristiske fotos i Københavns byrum, hvor hans skarpe og farvemættede motiver går i dialog med byen. På Kongens Nytorv vises en smagsprøve på værker fra serien A Small World og ned langs inderhavnen dukker værker fra hans ikoniske serie Life's a Beach op fem centrale steder: Nyhavn, Broens Gadekøkken, BLOX, Kayak Bar og Gammel Strand – og inviterer forbipasserende til at se velkendte motiver med nye øjne.
Mød Martin Parr – dag for dag
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12. juni
▸ VIP kanalrundfart med Martin Parr som turguide | Kun for inviterede
▸ Grand Opening på Det Kongelige Teater | Kræver dagsbillet eller invitation
▸ Samtale med Ingrid Fischer Jonge på Kunstakademiet | Udsolgt -
13. juni
▸ Eksklusiv masterclass for udvalgte fotografer | Udsolgt
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14. juni
▸ Guidet artist tour i udstillingen på Det Kongelige Teater | Begrænset antal billetter
▸ Book signing ved Martin Parr på Photo Scene | Medbring din egen bog eller køb et eksemplar på CPF Artist Book-standen | Kræver dagsbillet
Skynd dig, hvis du vil med!
Billetter til Parrs events har det med at blive revet væk – så vi anbefaler at du ikke tøver med at booke din billet. Uanset om du vil opleve ham live, i byrummet eller på teatret, er der rig mulighed for at få et unikt glimt ind i hans fotografiske univers under årets festival.
Book din dagsbillet til festivalcentrum her
Photo credit: Margate, Kent, England, 1986 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center Exhibitions (English) · CPF +
Photo credit: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center · CPF
Immerse yourself in a world of photography that brings to light the hidden.
Join us in June for special guided tours of the new CPF Festival Centre, both in the historic interiors of the Royal Theatre (Gamle Scene) and in the open space of Kongens Nytorv Square.
During the tour, we will explore this year's festival theme, Fremkaldelser | Into the Light. It refers to the magical moment in the process of analogue photography when the image first appears on paper. It is a moment of tension and anticipation, in which light reveals what has hitherto remained hidden. Just as in the darkroom, we need time, attention, and courage to look at what is invisible at first glance - in ourselves, in society, and the world.
The guided tour is an opportunity to explore the diverse forms of contemporary photography, from classical documentary to experimental installations, from images of the family table to testimonies of the struggle for memory.
You will learn about practice of one of the world's most prominent documentary photographers, Martin Parr. This is the first time in 20 years that his work will be shown in Denmark on such a large scale. Step into the colourful world of daily routine, tourism, and beach life captured through his unique eye.
In the exhibition space, you will also experience works by four selected Solo Artists from the international open call: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden, and Rita Puig-Serra Costa. Their projects combine personal experiences with current world issues; from the climate crisis to the legacy of violence, to everyday rituals and family relationships.
Meeting point: in front of Info Desk
Guide: Hanna Tokaj (English speaking)
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center Exhibitions (English) · CPF+
Photo credit: Gil Bartz
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center · CPF
Immerse yourself in a world of photography that brings to light the hidden.
Join us in June for special guided tours of the new CPF Festival Centre, both in the historic interiors of the Royal Theatre (Gamle Scene) and in the open space of Kongens Nytorv Square.
During the tour, we will explore this year's festival theme, Fremkaldelser | Into the Light. It refers to the magical moment in the process of analogue photography when the image first appears on paper. It is a moment of tension and anticipation, in which light reveals what has hitherto remained hidden. Just as in the darkroom, we need time, attention, and courage to look at what is invisible at first glance - in ourselves, in society, and the world.
The guided tour is an opportunity to explore the diverse forms of contemporary photography, from classical documentary to experimental installations, from images of the family table to testimonies of the struggle for memory.
You will learn about practice of one of the world's most prominent documentary photographers, Martin Parr. This is the first time in 20 years that his work will be shown in Denmark on such a large scale. Step into the colourful world of daily routine, tourism, and beach life captured through his unique eye.
In the exhibition space, you will also experience works by four selected Solo Artists from the international open call: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden, and Rita Puig-Serra Costa. Their projects combine personal experiences with current world issues; from the climate crisis to the legacy of violence, to everyday rituals and family relationships.
Meeting point: in front of Info Desk
Guide: Hanna Tokaj (English speaking)
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center Exhibitions (English) · CPF+
Photo credit: Rita Puig-Serra Costa
GUIDED TOUR · Festival Center · CPF
Immerse yourself in a world of photography that brings to light the hidden.
Join us in June for special guided tours of the new CPF Festival Centre, both in the historic interiors of the Royal Theatre (Gamle Scene) and in the open space of Kongens Nytorv Square.
During the tour, we will explore this year's festival theme, Fremkaldelser | Into the Light. It refers to the magical moment in the process of analogue photography when the image first appears on paper. It is a moment of tension and anticipation, in which light reveals what has hitherto remained hidden. Just as in the darkroom, we need time, attention, and courage to look at what is invisible at first glance - in ourselves, in society, and the world.
The guided tour is an opportunity to explore the diverse forms of contemporary photography, from classical documentary to experimental installations, from images of the family table to testimonies of the struggle for memory.
You will learn about practice of one of the world's most prominent documentary photographers, Martin Parr. This is the first time in 20 years that his work will be shown in Denmark on such a large scale. Step into the colourful world of daily routine, tourism, and beach life captured through his unique eye.
In the exhibition space, you will also experience works by four selected Solo Artists from the international open call: Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden, and Rita Puig-Serra Costa. Their projects combine personal experiences with current world issues; from the climate crisis to the legacy of violence, to everyday rituals and family relationships.
Meeting point: in front of Info Desk
Guide: Hanna Tokaj (English speaking)
EXHIBITION · Tell Tale Mirrors · Martin Parr · CPF
EXHIBITION · Tell Tale Mirrors · Martin Parr · CPF
The festival's first ever highlight exhibition at The Royal Theatre, features the legendary British Magnum photographer, Martin Parr. While highlighting Martin Parr's extensive career, the exhibition draws its attention to his elaborate works on leisure, tourism and beach life.
At the Royal Theatre visitors can look forward to delving into both his iconic series Life's a Beach and Small World, as well as lesser known works from Everybody Dance Now featuring recent and older works from his early years documenting British lifestyle.
The exhibition playfully interacts with the spectacular settings of the theatre and spans several rooms including the amazing Balcony Foyer facing Kongens Nytorv. People are also invited to dive into a selection of Parr's many visionary and humoristic photo books in a bespoke lounge book room created for the exhibition.
Known for his distinctive vision, this acclaimed photographer captures the subtleties and complexities of public behaviour and how we present ourselves. His extensive photographic series offer a carefully critical examination of our collective self-image.
Using his anthropological perspective and sharp wit, Martin Parr has captured the human experience in photographs for nearly 60 years, since taking his first picture at age 13. His images function as revealing mirrors, exposing our unconscious biases and reflecting the frameworks of our society and culture. Ultimately, Parr's work encourages us to laugh at these constructs and at ourselves.
With this year's theme ‘Fremkaldelser/Into the light’, Martin Parr is most relevant as he reveals how we as humans present ourselves in the public eye, while skillfully bringing these ever-topical issues to our attention.
About the artist
Martin Parr is one of the best-known documentary photographers of his generation. With over 100 books of his own published, and another 30 edited by Parr, his photographic legacy is already established. Parr also acts as a curator and editor. He has curated two photography festivals, Arles in 2004 and Brighton Biennial in 2010. Parr has been a member of the Magnum agency since 1994 and was President from 2013 – 2017. Parr’s work has been collected by many of the leading museums, from the Tate, the Pompidou and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Martin Parr established the Martin Parr Foundation in 2017.
Martin Parr is also featured with exhibitions in the public space on Kongens Nytorv and along the inner city harbour and will be present at the festival events for the opening day and weekend.
Opening Hours
12-18 June 11 am - 20 pm
Buy entrance ticket to CPF|Gamle Scene
NB The entrance ticket gives access to exhibitions at The Royal Theatre and free events on the day of your visit. When buying tickets online you get 10% discount on the standard ticket
Photo credit: Spain, Benidorm. 1997 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
GALLERY CRAWL · City Center Tour · CPF X|CPF+
GALLERY CRAWL · City Center Tour · CPF X|CPF+
Walk through the world of photography – discover unique partner exhibitions around Copenhagen.
Join us on this unique Gallery Tour to some of our selected partner exhibitions in the CPF X program – a shared walking tour to four unique photography exhibitions in the inner city. We will visit the Nikolaj Kunsthal, Leica Store Copenhagen, The David Collection, Martin Asbæk Gallery and CPF Festival Center where exciting exhibitions await.
Book your seat here (limited seats)
Meeting time: 11-13:30
Meeting point: in front of Nikolaj Kunsthal
Program: City center tour
Nikolaj Kunsthal · Leica Store Copenhagen · The David Collection · Martin Asbæk Gallery · CPF Festival Center
Guide: Teresa Halbreiter (English speaking)
Price: DKK 180 the price includes entrance fee to Nikolaj Kunsthal
ABOUT EXHIBITIONS
The exhibition Breaking Darkness at Nikolaj Kunsthal is a journey through the cinematic world of Lars von Trier, presented in five installations created especially for the special Kunsthal space. In a scenographic setting, made up of cinematic artefacts, sound and light, viewers can discover new facets of the director's work, including through the prism of a feminist interpretation of his female characters.
Presented at Leica Store Copenhagen, Jacob Aue Sobol's exhibition The Core is a moving encounter with the human inside. The raw, black-and-white photographs reveal the emotional essences of individuals, deprived of masks and roles. The artist explores what is common and universal - the desire for intimacy, authenticity, and the beauty that comes from being in true contact with oneself and others.
Portrait of Qatar's Bedouins presents the highly intimate yet artistically refined photographs of Jette Bang, who documented the lives of Qatar's nomadic tribes for three months in 1959. Balancing between documentary and poetic composition, her photographs presented in The David Collection reveal the daily life, relationships, and culture of the Bedouins with a unique sensitivity and sense of form.
Astrid Kruse Jensen's Places Beyond Places is a reflective journey through spaces that become more than just physical. They intertwine with memory, dreams, and emotions. Working with out-of-date Polaroid film, the artist combines the transience of the moment with the permanence of memories to create photographs that balance between presence and absence, past and present. The artist will present her works herself at Martin Asbæk Gallery.
About CPF X
The CPF X Program presents an extensive and diverse insight into Scandinavian and international contemporary camera based art with our festival partner venues and organisers around Copenhagen – and beyond!
Photo credit: Mads Holm; Jacob Aue Sobol; Jette Bang; Andrej Lamut; Astrid Kruse Jensen; Venice, Italy, 2005 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos; Gil Bartz // Fragments Of Climate Change
EVENT · GRAND OPENING 2025 · “Fremkaldelser / Into the Light” · CPF
Photo credit: Glamorgan, Wales, 1993 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
Come celebrate the GRAND OPENING of Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025!
We are thrilled to invite you to celebrate the Grand Opening of this year’s festival in the new and spectacular festival center at The Royal Danish Theater for the very first time.
In this exceptional setting we will, together with exhibiting artists, curators, distinguished international guests and representatives from our partnering institutions, celebrate the power of photography to cast light on hidden stories, unveil blind spots as well as to connect people, create hope and community in a world that over the past months and years seem to be overwhelmed with conflicts, crisis and unpredictability. All the more reason to come together, connect and celebrate together!
Copenhagen Photo Festival will for the first time present its main exhibitions in the historical foyer of the Royal Danish Theater where you can explore the opening to the first major exhibition with Martin Parr in Denmark in more than 20 years as well as exhibitions by the four selected solo artists Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes, Gil Bartz, Jansen van Staden and Rita Puig-Serra Costa.
We look forward to celebrating with you, so be sure to mark the date!
Book your ticket for the GRAND OPENING here
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EXHIBITION OPENINGS · CPF | GAMLE SCENE
Thursday 12 June · 16:00–20:00
The Royal Danish Theatre – Gamle Scene
Be among the first to explore
The first major Danish exhibition with Martin Parr in over 20 years
Solo exhibitions by Elizabeth Pedinotti Haynes · Gil Bartz · Jansen van Staden · Rita Puig-Serra Costa
Screenings in the theatre corridors of lens-based works by the 2025 CPF Selectees
The open call exhibition Vil du udstilles? – featuring over 1,000 submitted photos from Denmark and abroad
GRAND OPENING PROGRAM
16:00 – Guided tour with the exhibiting solo artists
16:30 – Bubbles in the Balcony Foyer (free for the first 120 guests)
17:00 – Opening speech by Festival Director Maja Dyrehauge Gregersen
17:15 – EVERYBODY DANCE NOW – DJ set and celebration in the exhibition space
Café August B will be open throughout the evening – and you’re welcome to bring your drink with you to explore the exhibitions.
BOOK YOUR TICKET
The Grand Opening is part of our festival programme and requires a valid ticket for entry. Your ticket includes access to all exhibitions at the Royal Danish Theatre on the day of your visit.
Book online and save 10%
(Free entry with valid guest list or press accreditation pass)
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CPF | VÆKST · Refshaleøen
a space for emerging photography and art
Our emerging artist hub at Refshaleøen VÆKST also opens 12 June and presents a dynamic programme of emerging Nordic talents working across photography, sound, performance and installation.
Explore bold new work in exhibitions, performances and events by three leading Nordic photography schools · the FUTURES Nordic Talents 2025 · VÆKST Creatives · and the Special exhibition | FOTOGRAFI Portfolio Review Award.
The big celebration kicks off on 13 June with the VÆKST inauguration party – a summer night of art, music and community featuring DJs, cold drinks, guided tours and artist talks, all in the company of this year’s exhibiting photographers and creatives.
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CPF X | PARTNER VENUES
Photography across the city – exhibitions & events
Throughout June, the festival unfolds across the city through CPF X – our extended programme of exhibitions, performances and events hosted by more than 30 partnering venues in Copenhagen and beyond.
Banja Rathnov Kunsthandel og Galleri · Basement · Blue Canvas Projects · Christian Askjær Photo Space · Danish Architecture Center · Dark Gallery CPH · The David Collection · Det Grønlandske Hus · Det Lyse Kammer · DGI Byen · Ex Nihilo · FB44 · Fotografisk Center · Galleri 1,4 m3 · Gallery Poulsen · Karen Blixen Museum · Landskrona Foto · Leica Store Copenhagen · MAPS – Museum of Art in Public Spaces · Martin Asbæk Gallery · Maxus 101 Art Space · Mesimarja Photographic Werkstatt · Nikolaj Kunsthal · NW Gallery · Politikens Forhal · Prospekt · The Royal Danish Academy of Art · The Royal Library · Art Museums of Skagen · The Thott Mansion – The French Embassy · Vandrehallen · VERA Skole for Kunst & Design · Vogelkop · VÆKST
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With gratitude to our supporters
Copenhagen Photo Festival 2025 is made possible with generous support from:
Det Obelske Familiefond · Aage og Johanne Louis-Hansens Fond · Augustinus Fonden · Spar Nord Fonden · Johanne og Ejnar Flach-Bundegaard Fond · FUTURES · Creative Europe · Knud Højgaards Fond · The Embassy of Spain · The Royal Academy of Art
MASTERCLASS · CPF Highlight Martin Parr · CPF +
Photo credit: Mona Lisa, Louvre, Paris, France, 2012 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
Masterclass · CPF Highlight Martin Parr
Get exclusive insight into the practice of the living legend and world-renowned British Magnum photographer Martin Parr in this all day Masterclass. Over the course of six hours this masterclass offers you and your fellow attendees full access to one of the most legendary photographers today.
The masterclass is a unique opportunity to get insight into Martin Parr’s own approach to photography up close. During the master class each attendee will present their portfolio and receive direct feedback from Martin Parr as well as participate in the valuable round table discussion /group discussion.
Attendees are obliged to bring a portfolio with 10-20 photographs from their most recent projects.
How to participate in the CPF+ Masterclass
To participate in this masterclass you have to sign up via this link no later than 1 April. You will have to upload a PDF containing your CV and a selection of images from your most recent projects. After the deadline you will be contacted directly via email with a payment link, if you are selected to participate.
About Martin Parr
British photographer Martin Parr has revolutionized documentary photography and is one of the most celebrated, award-winning, and published photographers in the world. During his more than 50-year-long career he has been the president of Magnum Photos, published more than 120 photo books, and been exhibited worldwide. In 2025 the festival will show highlights from the photographer's extensive career and dive into his comprehensive work on leisure, tourism, and beach life.
Place: TBD
Target group: Photographers and artists · 12 seats
Just announced: Masterclass with Martin Parr 13 June
Photo credit: Venice, Italy, 2005 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
Copenhagen Photo Festival is thrilled to offer the unique opportunity to take part in an exclusive masterclass with Martin Parr on the 13 June at this year’s festival. Step into the world of legendary photographer Martin Parr in this unique and exclusive six hour Masterclass. Engage in insightful discussions, receive direct feedback and exchange ideas with one of the most renowned photographers of our time, and your fellow attendees.
What to expect
The masterclass is a rare chance to get insight into Martin Parr’s personal approach to his craft and longstanding career up close. During the class, each attendee will present their portfolio and receive direct feedback from Martin Parr as well as take part in valuable round table discussions with the other participants.
Attendees are obliged to bring a portfolio with 10-20 photographs from their most recent projects.
How to participate
To apply for this masterclass you have to sign up via the link no later than 1 April 2025. You will have to upload a PDF containing your CV and a selection of images from your most recent projects. Martin Parr will select the masterclass’ attendees personally. If you have been chosen, you will be contacted directly via email with a request for payment.
When · Where · What · How
Place: TBD
Date: Thursday 13 June 10-16 PM
Price: DKK 2400 ex VAT
Application deadline: 1 April 2025
Target group: Photographers and artists · 12 seats
About Martin Parr
British photographer Martin Parr has revolutionized documentary photography and is one of the most celebrated, award-winning, and published photographers in the world. During his more than 50-year-long career he has been the president of Magnum Photos, published more than 120 photo books, and been exhibited worldwide. In 2025 the festival will show highlights from the photographer's extensive career and dive into his comprehensive work on leisure, tourism, and beach life.
Read more about Martin Parr here.
TALK · Opening Night Conversation · Martin Parr · CPF +
Photo credit: Goa, India, 1993 © Martin Parr / Magnum Photos
TALK · Opening Night Conversation · Martin Parr
Join us for the Opening Night Conversation with the world-renowned British Magnum photographer, Martin Parr. The conversation dives into Parr’s comprehensive work on leisure, tourism, and beach life as well as his lifelong dedication to photography. Not least how he keeps up the dedication and curiosity about his practice.
At the event Parr reflects on his approach to photography as a remarkable tool for unveiling paradoxes in our lifestyle and human condition, discusses his approach to documentary photography as well as unfolds perspectives on the development of photography over the course of his life from when he was 14 years old until today.
The impressive landmarks aside, Parr's insistent ongoing anthropological photographs reminds us of the ever-topical issue of being a human. A phenomenon that seems to be more relevant than ever to bring into the light.
Parr has revolutionized documentary photography and is one of the most celebrated, award-winning, and published photographers in the world. During his more than 50-year-long career he has been president of Magnum Photos, published more than 120 photo books, and been exhibited worldwide.
In 2025 he is yet again topical. A new documentary feature ‘I am Martin Parr’ about his impressive work and career is out in cinemas across the world this spring, and in September Penguin Books releases a new autobiography, ‘Utterly lazy and inattentive’, about his long and influential career.
Secure your tickets here! (NEW TICKETS RELEASED) (Gives access to the talk at The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts and the exhibitions at Gamle Scene on the opening day)
We would like to thank The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts for hosting this event. The academy is next door neighbor to The Royal Theatre at Kongens Nytorv.