Brassaï: The Eye of Paris

The volume offers a chance to approach the work of Brassaï (1899-1984), a multifaceted figure in the history of French photography. A painter, sculptor and writer in addition to being a photographer, his name is inextricably linked to the masterpiece Paris de Nuit, published in 1933 with a preface by Paul Morand. Brassaï’s views of the capital – illuminated by public lighting and other sources, and at times shrouded in fog – lend a mysterious aura to the urban landscape. Brassaï was a forerunner in capturing the night-time atmosphere of different areas of Paris, masterfully blending photographic art with his personal sensitivity. The volume, curated by the photographer’s nephew Philippe Ribeyrolles, sets out to revive Brassaï’s body of work, offering an overview of his evolution over the years. From the artist’s collaboration with Edward Steichen to international recognition in the wake of his 1957 exhibit at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, Brassaï’s influence spreads far beyond the French borders. The volume includes texts by Philippe Ribeyrolles, Silvia Paoli, an interview with Gilbert Brassaï, the artist’s wife, and biographical information. Text in English and French.