The artwork, “Kiki dans un bar, Montparnasse,” by the renowned artist Brassai, was created in 1931. Belonging to the Surrealism art movement, it is a photograph that captures an evocative scene in a bar, likely situated in Montparnasse, a district in Paris known for its vibrant artistic community during the early 20th century.
In the artwork, a plethora of human interactions unfold around a bar setting. The focal point is a woman intimately engaged in a kiss with a man, capturing a moment of affection. She is flanked by others who add to the lively ambiance: on her left, a man and a bartender appear to be in different states of attention, while on her right, another couple is engrossed in their own conversation. The figures’ attire, including feathered accessories and formal wear, suggests a scene of nightlife and social gaiety typical of Montparnasse’s bohemian culture. The image exudes a sense of candidness and spontaneity, characteristic of Brassai’s street photography and the Surrealist fascination with the uncanny moments of ordinary life.
