British photographer Martin Parr, born in 1952, is one of the major documentary photographers of our time. He puts the spotlight on social reality, taking a critical but entertaining look at all aspects of modern life.

Parr first became known in the 1980s for his photos of the British working class and their seaside holidays. His favourite subjects include mass tourism and the clichéd behaviour of different classes of society, from ordinary working people to the super-rich.

His first comprehensive exhibition in Switzerland, which opened on July 12 at the Museum für Gestaltung Zurich, a design and visual communication museum, combines different aspects of his work as photographer, filmmaker and collector.

In addition to photo series from the 1980s onwards, the show also includes a new work, “Think of Switzerland,” a humorous portrait of Switzerland with its special qualities and clichés. (Pictures: Martin Parr, Magnum Photos)