Nadia Lee Cohen becomes her own childhood babysitter in a witty, nostalgic photo book with Martin Parr that feels like stepping straight into 1990s Essex.
Nadia Lee Cohen’s photography has always thrived on transformation—her latest project, Julie Bullard, sees her become the glamorous figure who inspired her earliest ideas about beauty, her own childhood babysitter. Collaborating closely with celebrated British photographer Martin Parr, Cohen reconstructs fragmented memories of her 1990s upbringing in Essex through a carefully staged visual narrative, merging nostalgia with playful self-awareness.
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Parr, known for his gently satirical snapshots of British life, captures Cohen’s staged scenes with warmth and sharp humor, spotlighting perms, pastel interiors, and fashion moments that defined the decade. The partnership marks Cohen’s return to distinctly British imagery, following previous explorations of American visual culture.
Presented as a limited-edition volume from IDEA Books on May 15, the tactile faux-leather cover with gold foil accents adds to the book’s intimate, collectible appeal. Beyond simply revisiting a cherished past, Julie Bullard highlights how early inspirations shape creative identity, delivered with equal parts wit and affection.
