What to know | Saint Laurent Launches "Autoportrait" Exhibition in Paris Tributing Photographer Martin Parr's Self-Portraits
The key details: Curated by Anthony Vaccarello, the "Autoportrait" exhibition is on view at Saint Laurent Montaigne in Paris, featuring a selection of self-portraits taken by the late British photographer Martin Parr between 1996 and 2015, running from October 15, 2026, to January 13, 2027.
Saint Laurent has launched a new exhibition titled "Autoportrait" at its Montaigne boutique in Paris. Curated personally by Creative Director Anthony Vaccarello, the exhibition pays tribute to British photographer Martin Parr, who passed away in December 2025 at the age of 73. Open from October 15, 2026, the exhibition runs through January 13, 2027, at the Saint Laurent Montaigne store located at 37 Av. Montaigne, 75008 Paris, France.
What is Featured in the Exhibition?
"Autoportrait" brings together a collection of self-portraits captured by Martin Parr between 1996 and 2015. Diverging from his renowned documentary style of observing others through the lens, this series places Parr himself in front of the camera as the subject. The exhibits include portraits taken in Singapore in 2007 and London in 2008, reflecting his ongoing fascination with how individuals project their self-image.
Visuals from the "Autoportrait" exhibition series, courtesy of the brand Image: Saint LaurentVisuals from the "Autoportrait" exhibition series, courtesy of the brand Image: Saint Laurent
Why Are These Portraits Unconventional?
As he traveled the world, Parr handed his camera over to professional photographers, local amateurs, and even coin-operated photo booths. These images frequently feature tacky backdrops, deliberately staged disguises, and slightly exaggerated retouching, echoing his signature satirical observation of everyday tourism photography rituals.
What is the Connection Between Martin Parr and Saint Laurent?
This exhibition is not the first collaboration between the two parties. Under Vaccarello's creative direction, Saint Laurent previously enlisted Parr to lens the brand's 2025 advertising campaign, "An Ordinary Day." "Autoportrait" continues the brand's longstanding relationship with the photographer.
Visuals from the "Autoportrait" exhibition series, courtesy of the brand Image: Saint LaurentVisuals from the "Autoportrait" exhibition series, courtesy of the brand Image: Saint Laurent
Why Is Martin Parr Important?
Parr is one of the most recognizable figures in documentary photography, having long served as a member and president of Magnum Photos. His lens is celebrated for vibrant colors and slightly absurd everyday observations, capturing quirky habits ranging from crowded beaches and tourist spots to modern consumer culture, transforming the mundane into something bizarre, humorous, and sometimes unexpectedly insightful. This exhibition offers audiences another perspective—namely, how he viewed himself—to understand the photographer's creative vision.
Exhibition Information
The exhibition takes place at the Saint Laurent Montaigne store in Paris, running from October 15, 2026, to January 13, 2027. Details regarding opening hours, reservation requirements, or ticketing were not provided by the source.
