EXHIBITION BRASSAÏ: THE EYE OF PARIS

From 16 November 2024 to 21 April 2025

The Brassaï: The Eye of Paris exhibition, held at the Museo Civico in Bassano del Grappa, offers a fascinating exploration into the life and work of one of the most celebrated photographers of the twentieth century. This major exhibition, highlights the profound impact of Brassaï on the development of photography, and his significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of Paris during the first half of the century.

Brassaï’s exhibition in Bassano del Grappa

The exhibition features nearly 200 period photographs, many of which were printed by the artist himself, along with a selection of sculptures, personal documents, and objects belonging to Brassaï. These artifacts help to trace the evolution of his artistic journey while immersing the viewer in the dreamlike, poetic atmosphere of Paris, a city that has captivated artists and intellectuals for centuries.

Born in Hungary but deeply connected to the heart of Parisian life, Brassaï was often described as the "living eye of photography" by his close friend, author Henry Miller. From 1924 onwards, Brassaï made Paris his home and the subject of his lens. He captured the soul of the city, portraying its varied facets—from the iconic landmarks to the hidden corners of its working-class districts, from its street people to its avant-garde intellectuals. His photographs reflect a unique perspective on the vibrancy of Parisian life, embracing both the glamorous and the gritty.

One of Brassaï’s most famous series is his early work documenting the Parisian night. His 1933 book, Paris de nuit (Paris by Night), was groundbreaking, showcasing the mysterious and evocative beauty of the city after dark. His intimate portraits of the Parisian underworld, his friends among the intellectual and artistic elite, as well as his photographs for major magazines like Minotaure and Harper’s Bazaar, helped define an era.

Madame Bijoux, by Brassaï

Brassaï was deeply intertwined with the Surrealist movement, forging friendships with figures like Salvador Dalí, Henri Matisse, Jacques Prévert, and Pablo Picasso. This artistic camaraderie allowed Brassaï to thrive in the vibrant cultural milieu of Paris, capturing moments that were as surreal as they were poetic. His work transcended photography, as he also explored drawing, painting, sculpture, and writing. Yet it was through the lens of his camera that he sought to reveal the extraordinary in the everyday, transforming ordinary scenes and objects into captivating visual stories.