Beverley Thomas’s Critical Research Journal for Falmouth University MA Photography
This blog is being made as part of an accredited educational programme.
(Week 9) 06/08/2019
“”Night does not show things, it suggests them. It disturbs and surprises us with its strangeness.” – Brassai
Paris by Night
I need to purchase more books, especially containing the works of Brassai. These books add cohesion to his body of work and perhaps mine to in time.
A gargoyle sits at his view point watching over Paris whilst Brassai gets up close and personal with the Parisian people, he visits a world where night photography was in its infancy. His night landscapes reveal his use of form and definition of composition. He uses what light exists and concentrates on shapes and leading lines. Brassai creates a sense of atmospheric drama by using elements such as fog and the rain. The rain enables light to reflect off the wet surfaces and creates dramatic theatrical feel, the fog defines shapes within the darkness and captivates the mystery. Brassai’s ability to be at ease with all types of people allowed him to blend in with the night-time. He invites us to spectate Paris in a way that had never been viewed before, using a photo journalistic approach. I read an article by a contributing writer and photographer, Steve Meltzern, he describes Brassai ‘s work as “a stunning collection of black and white images that juxtaposed luminous, dreamlike nightscapes with contemporary documentary images of the nighttime’s denizens. It was a technical marvel as well, for he was one of the first photographers to shoot extensively at night.” (2014). Inspired by what I observe and appreciating his methodology, why have I not looked into his work in more detail previously? I can learn a great deal from this master of photography, because Brassai had the ability to frame his shots so that small areas of light would pierce and penetrate larger areas of black shadows.
Having observed his book, my thoughts are directed back to publication. Brassai’s unique style gave Paris de nuit its distinctive intimacy. This book containing 60 photographs is iconic for a reason. Brassai’s ability to capture the mysticism of ‘Paris by Night’ instills a romance and love of the noir for all. Evocative, honest and stunning images.
Inspired by the photographers who paved the way in conjunction with my own project and recognising no comparison whatsoever to Brassai’s publications, only the fact that I my work in progress is shot mainly at night and has been printed. I instinctively choose to create this cohesive body of work into book form, as I know book design will become a part of my final major project.
Reference :
Morand, Paul. Brassai: Paris de nuit. (2011) Flammarion; 2nd edition. Paris.
Brassai. available at https://www.imaging-resource.com/news/2014/01/07/the-piercing-eye-of-brassai-a-brief-history-of-a-master-photographer [accessed 06/08/19]
Holden Luntz Gallery. available at https://holdenluntz.com/new-arrivals-brassaï-paris-vu-de-notre-dame [accessed 06/08/19]
Lens Magazine. available at http://lensmagazine.net/deep-nights-by-brassai/ [accessed 06/08/19]
Jones, Tony Ray. (2011) Interview with Brassai. available at https://www.americansuburbx.com/2011/08/interview-brassai-with-tony-ray-jones.html [accessed 06/08/19]
Further Reference:
The Art Story. available at https://www.theartstory.org/artist/brassai/ [accessed 06/08/19]
Beverley Thomas 
One thought on “Paris de nuit”