The High Museum of Art commissioned Martin Parr to document Atlanta as part of its Picturing the South project, which also includes work by Kael Alford and Shane Lavalette. Channeling his unparalleled ability to converge humor, wit, and curiosity into his highly observant photographs, Parr has again captured the oddities and eccentricities of contemporary American life.

British-born Parr, a Magnum photographer whose career spans over 30 years, is known for his provocative documentary style that offers cultural criticism through an exaggerated yet humanistic light. His analysis of how we live is not simply satire, as Parr’s images serve to level the playing field for the highs and lows of the human condition. In Picturing the South, images of gallery openings vie with corn dogs on sticks for cultural currency, offering insights that only a warm-hearted outsider could picture.

Picturing the South continues at the High Museum through September 2. In addition, the Italian publisher Contrasto released a book, Up and Down Peachtree: Photographs of Atlanta and a documentary by Neal Broffman, who followed Parr as he photographed around Atlanta. View a video clip here. High Museum of Art. 1280 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA. Above: Hot Dogs, Atlanta, 2010. © Martin Parr.