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Philippe Ribeyrolles recounts childhood memories of his uncle, the renowned Hungarian-born French photographer and artist Gyula Halász, known as Brassaï.

Personal connections to the artist

Philippe Ribeyrolles maintains vivid memories of a summer in the mid-1960s spent in the south of France. At the age of ten, Ribeyrolles resided there with his uncle, Gyula Halász, and his aunt, Gilberte.

Halász, who operated under the professional moniker Brassaï, was a significant figure in the 20th-century photographic landscape. His work often captured the nocturnal life and cultural nuances of Paris, establishing him as a master of light and shadow.

The legacy of Brassaï

The artistic output of Brassaï is characterised by a unique ability to find beauty in the overlooked aspects of urban environments. His photography bridged the gap between documentary realism and fine art, often focusing on:

• The atmospheric streets of Paris at night
• Intimate portraits of diverse social classes
• The interplay between deep shadows and singular light sources

While the personal recollections of Ribeyrolles offer a glimpse into the private life of the artist, Brassaï's global reputation remains anchored in his technical mastery and his distinct visual language. His ability to navigate the 'shadows' of the city became his defining professional trait.