1. Brassai is Hungarian photographer who rose to
international fame in France in the 20th century. One of his most
evocative published photographic works is The
Secret Paris. Shots were taken in cafés, bars, and bistros throughout the
evening. These series show that photographer worked in a very coherent way. He
took shots that established background including groups of people to create
sense of proportion and relationship between individuals and larger social
context.
2. First picture clearly presents social life of upper level
Parisians. Despite of the fact that photograph only black and white, image is
very vivid and detailed. Looking at it, we can almost hear their foreign conversations,
loud music and smell heavy smoke of their cigarettes.
There are probably dancers and entertainers speaking to the
visitors of the bar on the second picture. Those women are barely dressed and
curious visitor’s glances make us feel that it is probably some sexual context
might be involved.
And following photograph assures that sexual context is
involved. It probably takes place in a brothel. One of those women is whispering
something into the man’s ear and others are looking intentionally and seemed to
be waiting on his respond.
3. Observing those images help me to recreate an idea how
real Paris looked like in its 30s. That’s why I believe they are great.
Moreover, none of Brassai’s photograph was posed. They look like shots from
some old historical movies. They look extremely alive and modern even though
they were taken more than 80 years ago. I believe this feature adds to the
value of black and white photography.
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