Man Ray (1890-1976)

Photography and Surrealism

“I belive in the relation between photography and music. And that’s my inspiration.» -Man Ray

“I believe in the relation between photography and music; And thats my inspiration.”
― Man Ray

Born in Philadelphia in 1890, the sculptor, painter, film-maker and photographer Emmanuel Radnitzky is better known by the name he used from about the age of 15: Man Ray. He was an early convert to European modernism, and spent most of his working life in Paris.

In 1915, whilst at Ridgefield artist colony in New Jersey, he met the French artist Marcel Duchamp and together they tried to establish New York Dada. His friendship with Duchamp led to Man Ray’s move to Paris in 1921, where, as a contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements, he was perfectly placed to make defining images of his contemporaries from the avant-garde.

In this period he was instrumental in developing and producing a type of photogram which he called ‘Rayographs’, and is credited in rediscovering and developing, alongside his lover and collaborator Lee Miller, the process of solarisation.

Following the outbreak of World War II, Man Ray left France for the USA and took up residence in Hollywood. While officially devoting himself once more to painting, new research has revealed that Man Ray made a number of significant photographic portraits during his Hollywood years. Returning to Paris in 1951 he again made the city his home until his death in 1976. His portraits from the 1950s include experiments with colour photography, such as his portraits of Juliette Greco and Yves Montand.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=du16D3vmdyo

Le Violon d’Ingres, 1924

Lee Miller, 1929

Ives Montand, 1958

Self-Portrait, 1932