Adopting a pseudonym derived from his original hometown of Brasso in Transylvania, Romania, Brassai’s extraordinary photography captures the populace of Paris’ night culture – the prostitutes, gays, lesbians and those who congregate in pubs and brothels. Eventually, Brassai began a 25 year association with Harper’s Bazaar that led right into the 60s after the editor-in-chief gave him complete freedom to choose his subjects. His alternative form of photography also inspired him to shoot graffiti that appeared on Paris walls. Famous cultural icons such as Pablo Picasso, Henry Miller and Georges Braque were enthusiastic collectors of his work.

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