Tangerine Dreams: Rituals of Belonging in Contemporary British Life
Martin Parr Foundation · BS4
4 June 2026 – 6 September 2026
Art
British documentary photographer Sophie Green presents a vivid exploration of the communities, subcultures and social gatherings that shape contemporary Britain. For over a decade, Sophie has documented how rituals and traditions foster connection, belonging, and shared identity. In Tangerine Dreams, Sophie offers a layered, joyful view of who we are and how we come together. For Sophie, 'British identity is not fixed; it is continuously constructed by those who live here today. This complexity makes Britain a rich source of stories and inspiration for my work. From the adrenaline thrill of banger racing, where drivers deliberately smash cars they've spent weeks meticulously preparing, to the vibrant chaos of traveller horse fairs, with horse trading, cockerel fights and social reunions; from Aladura Spiritualist African church congregations sharing hymns and Nigerian dishes at Sunday services, to modified street car festivals that transform pimped-out vehicles into symbols of masculinity; and on to Irish dance clubs, British cowboy shows and beyond - these gatherings are a window into the search for meaning and connection. They illuminate a Britain shaped by a patchwork of voices and untold narratives.' Sophie's practice, rooted in long-term immersion and collaboration, challenges stereotypes of British identity and celebrates communities on the margins. Her kaleidoscopic lens transforms rituals and gatherings into vivid testimonies of human connection, revealing what it means to belong in contemporary Britain. A photobook of Tangerine Dreams was self-published in 2025 and sold out within a week. A second edition will be published to coincide with this exhibition.