1899-1984
Brassai (1899-1984) was one of the greatest photographers of the twentieth century. A native Hungarian, he based himself in Paris to become acclaimed for his nocturnal photographs of the streets and night life in Paris.
Associated with Surrealism, Brassaï also worked closely with Picasso imaginatively recording work in the artist's studio and in particular documenting Picasso's activities as a sculptor.
As a young man, Gyula Hal(dit Brassastudied painting and sculpture at the Academy of Fine Arts in Budapest before joining a cavalry regiment of the Austro-Hungarian army, serving until the end of the First World War. In 1920 Halwent to Berlin where he worked as a journalist and studied at the Berlin-Charlottenburg Academy of Fine Arts.
In 1924 he moved to Paris where he would live the rest of his life and his love of the city, whose streets he often wandered late at night, led to photography. He later wrote that photography allowed him to seize the Paris night and the beauty of the streets and gardens, in rain and mist. Using the name of his birthplace, Gyula Halwent by the pseudonym 'Brassawhich means 'from Brasso.' As Brassahe captured the essence of the city in his photographs, publishing his first book of photographs in 1933 titled Paris after Dark. His efforts met with great success, resulting in him being called 'the eye of Paris' in an essay by his friend Henry Miller. In addition to photos of the seedier side of Paris, he also provided scenes from the life of the city's high society, its intellectuals, its ballet, and the grand operas. He photographed many of his great artist friends, including Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Alberto Giacometti, plus many of the prominent writers of his time such as Jean Genet, Henri Michaux and others.
Brassaphotographs brought him international fame leading to a one-man show in the United States at the George Eastman House in Rochester, New York, the Art Institute in Chicago, Illinois, and at New York City's Museum of Modern Art.
In 1956, his film, Tant qu'il aura des b, won the 'Most Original Film' award at the Cannes Film Festival and in 1974 he was named 'Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres' and given the Legion of Honor in 1976. Two years later, in 1978, he won the first 'Grand Prix National de la Photographie' in Paris.
As well as a photographer, Brassawas the author of seventeen books and numerous articles, including the 1948 novel Histoire de Marie, which was published with an introduction by Henry Miller. His Letters to My Parents and Conversations with Picasso, have been translated into English and published by the University of Chicago Press.
Considered by all as one of the great photographers of the 20th century, Brassadied on July 8, 1984 in Eze, Alpes-Maritimes, in the south of France and was interred in the Cimetidu Montparnasse in Paris.
In 2000, an exhibition of some 450 works by Brassai was organized with the help of his widow, Gilberte at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
James Hyman Photography proudly features a selection of the artist's vintage works.
Biography:
1899
Born September 9 in Brasso (then part of Hungary, now Romanian)
1920
Went to Berlin where he worked as a journalist and studied at the Berlin-Charlottenburg Academy of Fine Arts
1924
Moved to Paris where he would live the rest of his life
1933
Published his first book of photographs titled "Paris after Dark"
1956
His film, "Tant qu'il aura des bwon the "Most Original Film" award at the Cannes Film Festival
1974
Named "Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres"
1976
Given the Legion of Honor
1978
Won the first "Grand Prix National de la Photographie" in Paris
1984
Died July 8 in Eze, Alpes-Maritimes, in the south of France
2000
An exhibition of some 450 works by Brassawas organized with the help of his widow, Gilberte at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris