The Vision of Brassaï: Iconic Quotes on Photography
Brassaï, a pioneer in the field of photography, was known for capturing the essence of Paris and its nightlife in the early 20th century. His work straddled multiple artistic mediums, but photography remained central to his exploration of human life and reality. Here are some of his most profound and inspiring quotes that reflect his philosophy on photography and art.
1. The Power of an Image
“There are many photographs which are full of life but which are confusing and difficult to remember. It is the force of an image which matters.”
— Brassaï
A photograph’s true impact lies in its ability to leave a lasting impression, not just in the details it captures.
2. Rediscovering the Virginal Eye
“We should try, without ceasing, to tear ourselves away from our subjects and even photography itself, in order to return to them with reawakened zest, with the virginal eye. That is the most precious thing we can possess.”
— Brassaï
Constant renewal of vision is essential for capturing life with a fresh perspective.
3. Photography’s Grave Responsibility
“While we are playing in our studios with broken flowerpots, oranges, and still lifes, life is passing before our eyes without us ever having seen a thing.”
— Brassaï
Photographers must remain aware of life’s fleeting moments, capturing the reality around them before it’s lost.
4. The Art of Suggestion
“To me, photography must suggest, not insist or explain.”
— Brassaï
A powerful photograph invites interpretation, rather than dictating a story to the viewer.
5. A Quest for Reality
“My images were surreal simply because my vision brought out the fantastic dimension of reality. There is nothing more surreal than reality itself.”
— Brassaï
Brassaï believed that everyday reality, when captured with the right eye, could evoke a sense of wonder and surrealism.
6. Capturing Immobility
“I like life, but I like to capture it in such a way that the photo does not move. I don’t really like the snapshot.”
— Brassaï
He preferred deliberate composition over the spontaneity of snapshots, emphasizing form and structure.
7. The Purpose of Art
“The purpose of art is to raise people to a higher level of awareness than they would otherwise attain on their own.”
— Brassaï
Art, in all its forms, has the power to elevate human consciousness and understanding.
8. Form and Composition
“I’ve always felt that the formal structure of a photo, its composition, was just as important as the subject itself.”
— Brassaï
Composition is essential in guiding the viewer’s eye and creating a lasting impact.
9. The Responsibility of the Photographer
“It is not sociologists who provide insights but photographers of our sort who are observers at the very center of their times.”
— Brassaï
Photographers play a crucial role in documenting and interpreting the social realities of their time.
10. Photography vs. Cinema
“The photograph doesn’t express movement; on the contrary, it arrests it. Photography pushes us out of the ordinary range of human perception towards the scientific domain.”
— Brassaï
Brassaï saw photography as a medium that freezes time, providing a deeper analysis of reality, unlike cinema, which is movement-based.
11. The Beauty of Less
“I only take one or two or three pictures of a subject… I find it concentrates one more to shoot less.”
— Brassaï
He believed in minimalism, taking fewer shots to fully immerse in and capture the essence of a moment.
12. Photography and Sculpture
“Photography is closer to sculpture than to music, because sculpture also arrests movement.”
— Brassaï
Photography’s ability to capture stillness made Brassaï liken it to sculpture, as both forms create permanence from fleeting moments.
13. The Ambition of Everyday Life
“My ambition was always to show aspects of daily life as if we were seeing them for the first time.”
— Brassaï
Through photography, he sought to reveal the extraordinary in the ordinary.
14. The Role of Chance
“Chance is always there. We all use it. The difference is a poor photographer meets chance one out of a hundred times and a good photographer meets chance all the time.”
— Brassaï
Good photographers are skilled at recognizing and seizing the perfect moment when chance aligns with their vision.
15. Photography and Imagination
“I invent nothing, but I imagine everything.”
— Brassaï
Though he captured reality, Brassaï relied on his imagination to reveal deeper meanings in the mundane.
Brassaï’s reflections on photography remind us of the art’s power to elevate everyday life, arrest time, and reveal deeper truths about reality. His approach to capturing life with a deliberate eye continues to inspire photographers and artists alike.
FAQs: Brassaï’s Style, Philosophy, and Thoughts on Photography
1. What defines Brassaï’s photography style?
Brassaï’s style is characterized by his focus on composition, the stillness of his subjects, and capturing the surreal aspects of everyday life. He preferred deliberate, well-composed shots over spontaneous snapshots.
2. Why did Brassaï dislike snapshots?
Brassaï rejected snapshots because he felt they lacked the thoughtful composition that gives a photograph its power. He believed in capturing a subject with form and structure, ensuring the image had lasting impact.
3. How did Brassaï view the role of photography in art?
Brassaï saw photography as a medium that can both document reality and function as fine art. He believed photography should elevate viewers’ awareness by capturing the hidden beauty and complexity of everyday life.
4. What did Brassaï mean by “suggest, not insist”?
Brassaï emphasized that a photograph should hint at deeper meanings without fully explaining them. He believed that ambiguity invites viewers to engage more deeply with the image.
5. Why is “the virginal eye” important in Brassaï’s philosophy?
For Brassaï, the “virginal eye” refers to returning to photography with fresh eyes after stepping away from it. This renewal allows photographers to see their subjects in new, untainted ways, which is crucial for capturing compelling images.
6. How did Brassaï view the relationship between photography and time?
Brassaï believed photography had the unique ability to stop time, freezing moments and preserving them. He compared photography to sculpture, in its capacity to capture stillness and form.
7. What role did Paris play in Brassaï’s work?
Paris, especially its nighttime scenes, played a central role in Brassaï’s work. His famous collection Paris by Night captured the city’s life and atmosphere in ways that revealed its magic, mystery, and surreal beauty.
