Brassaï in America 1957

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A rare collection of over 150 previously unpublished photographs, both black and white and color, showcases the work of a legendary photographer. Despite strong ties to the U.S. through figures like Henry Miller and Edward Steichen, he hesitated to travel there until 1957, when Holiday magazine offered him the chance to photograph New York and Louisiana with generous compensation and artistic freedom. His journey began with a symbolic image of the Statue of Liberty, marking his enchantment with America. In New York, he was inspired by the city's graphic skyscrapers and the dynamic movement of its crowds, contrasting with his earlier static Parisian photographs of intimate moments. Here, he captured lively scenes of children playing and fashionable women, showcasing the vibrancy of urban life. In Louisiana, he embraced color, photographing sunbathers with copper skin, pastel prom dresses, and the bright neon of amusement park attractions. The nightlife and exotic vegetation of New Orleans evoke memories of 1930s Paris. This vibrant exploration of 1950s America provides unprecedented access to his artistic vision, including a wealth of unpublished color photography.