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Brassaï (Gyula Halász)
Untitled, ca. 1932

In 1924 Gyula Hasálz moved to Paris, where he took the name Brassaï (after his Hungarian hometown, Brassó) and began working as a journalist. In letters home he described his busy life writing and illustrating various publications as well as his growing interest in photographing lovers, brothels, prostitutes, and other “phantoms of the night.”

By the time Brassaï published Paris by Night (1933), his first book of photographs, he had developed a style that combined literal documentary and the imaginary. Brassaï’s deep shadows transform the Parisian street scene and heighten the drama of the kissing couple. The formal composition recalls his training as a sculptor and painter, while the atmosphere of desire points to the ongoing influence of Surrealism. Brassaï went on to produce more books on Paris in addition to series on graffiti, nudes, and artists.

Artwork Info

Artwork title
Untitled
Artist name
Brassaï (Gyula Halász)
Date created
ca. 1932
Classification
photograph
Medium
gelatin silver print
Dimensions
11 5/16 in. × 8 9/16 in. (28.73 cm × 21.75 cm)
Date acquired
1980
Credit
Collection SFMOMA
Gift of Helen Crocker Russell and William H. and Ethel W. Crocker Family Funds
Copyright
© Estate of G. Brassaï
Permanent URL
https://www.sfmoma.org/artwork/80.343
Artwork status
Not on view at this time.

Other Works by Brassaï (Gyula Halász)

See other works by Brassaï (Gyula Halász)

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