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Brian Brake

New Zealand

1927-1988

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  1. Street Market, Hong Kong 1957 by Brian Brake, Image 1.

    Brian Brake

    Street Market, Hong Kong 1957, 1957

    Photograph

    29 x 20 cm

    US$800

Brian Brake was a globally renowned New Zealand photographer. Born in Wellington in 1927, Brake's early interest in photography was nurtured by his family and led him to train with portrait photographer Spencer Digby. His career took off at the National Film Unit, where he directed 'Snows of Aorangi,' the first New Zealand film nominated for an Academy Award. Brake left New Zealand for London in 1954. In 1955, he met Ernst Haas and Henri Cartier-Bresson, members of the photo agency Magnum Photos. This led to his acceptance as a nominee member in the same year, and full membership in 1957. He remained a Magnum photographer until 1967. Brake's global recognition soared with his membership in Magnum, through which his photographs were featured in leading publications like Life and National Geographic. His most celebrated works include the 'Monsoon' series, capturing the essence of the Indian monsoon, and his rare 1950s coverage of China, offering a unique glimpse into a pivotal era. His images of Picasso and Jean Cocteau at a bullfight in 1955 were published worldwide. He remains perhaps the most famous New Zealand photographer of all time.
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