An exhibit of the midcentury, Hungarian-turned-Parisian photographer who went by the name of Brassaï is currently on the third floor of SFMOMA, and it's almost perfect.
The photos are a decently large size for museum viewing, and the show is curated, meaning there are not an overwhelming amount of photographs so you can take it all in. (The photo above is
Christmas Eve Mass, Les Baux-de-Provence, 1950.)
Brassaï's subject matter was largely people, and he managed to capture both high and low cultural ensembles with the same degree of artistic sympathy. (Photo above is
Soiree at the Home of Princess Chavchavadze, 1947.)
His photos from the 1920-1930s of the Parisian demimonde are iconic and brilliant. (Photo above is
Kiki at the Cabaret des Fleurs, Boulevard de Montparnasse, 1932.)
The frank sensuality of the photos is amazing up to the present day, although it's odd now to see just about every person in every photo, no matter what they are doing, holding a cigarette in one hand. This is not a show you should visit if you are having nicotine withdrawal symptoms.
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