Man Ray Man Ray in his studio Background

Man Ray

Man Ray in his studio

Background Basics Ü He was most prevalent in the art world during the 1920 s, 1930 s, and 1940 s Ü Primarily participated in the movement of Dada and Surrealism Ü He spent most of his career in Paris until World War II when he returned to the U. S. A. Ü Best known as a photographer

Early Life Ü Was born Emanuel Rabinovitch 1890 in Philadelphia – grew up in New Jersey Ü Oldest child of a Jewish immigrant tailor Ü Was not a good student, decides not to go to college – instead chooses the Bohemian life

Life in New York Ü 1910 begins working as a commercial artist Ü Meets Marcel Duchamp – one of his greatest influences Ü 1912 adopts name Man Ray (he refuses to acknowledge that he ever had another name than Man Ray) Ü Helps Duchamp bring Dada movement to America Ü “Dada cannot live in New York. All New York is dada, and will not tolerate a rival.

Dadaism Was, officially, not a movement, its artists not artists and its art not art Marcel Duchamp Fountain 1917 Dada’s only rules were that you must not follow any known rules

Traces and Time Man Ray Dust Breeding (Elevage de poussiere), 1920 24 x 30. 5 cm, Black and white photograph

Paris Ü Moves to Paris after separating from his wife Ü Through Duchamp, he meets many artists including Kiki who becomes his model, muse, and lover for six years Ü Took many photos of Kiki. Often used the outline of her body to represent other objects

In Paris Ü He met many of his contemporaries who only encouraged and celebrated his surrealist art. Ü He fell in love with Kiki who was his muse, lover, and model for most of the 1920 s. Man Ray Le Violin d’Ingres 1924 gelatin-silver print

Rayographs or Photograms Ü Was interested in minimalism and abstraction Ü Experimental prints were called “rayographs” Ü These were made by placing 3 -D obdjects on light sensitive photo paper and exposing it to light. Champs Delicieux no. 5

Rayographs Spiral Spring

Rayographs Champs Delicieux no. 1

Man Ray Anatomies 1929 gelatin-silver print 22. 6 x 17. 2 cm

Man Ray Fingers 1930 gelatin-silver print 11 1/2 x 8 3/4 in.

Man Ray Larmes (Tears) 1932 -33 gelatin-silver print

Man Ray Prayer 1930 gelatin-silver print

Man Ray Minotaur 1934 gelatin-silver print

Man Ray Yves Tanguy 1936 gelatin-silver print

Ü Experiments with moving pictures, painting, sculpture and makes portraits with the surrealists Ü WWII forces him to leave the country – he moves to Hollywood

Hollywood Ü Spends 10 years in Hollywood as a fashion photographer Ü Continues use of minimalist techniques and interesting lighting Ü Helps revolutionize this industry

Later life Ü After the war moves back to Paris Ü Continues creating art in Paris until his death in 1976 1975

The Revolutionary Photographer Ü Most artists try to create paintings that looked like photographs, but Man Ray wanted his photographs to look like paintings. Ü He forever changed the world of fashion photography. Ü His photograph’s maintained his surrealist nature that his paintings portrayed. Ü His photographs showed minimalism, chance, and absurdity.

Works sited ""Art and Synesthesia: in search of the synesthetic experience" by Dr. Hugo Heyrman. " Net Art - Dr. Hugo Heyrman ( ( (Motions of the Mind) ) ). Web. 31 Jan. 2010. <http: //www. doctorhugo. org/synaesthesia/art/index. html>. Baldwin, Neil. Man Ray, American artist. New York: Da Capo, 1991. Print. Gale, Matthew. Dada & Surrealism A&I (Art and Ideas). New York: Phaidon, 1997. Print. "Man Ray | */*. " */* ? -- General Special Interest. Web. 31 Jan. 2010. <http: //www. fyms. de/man-ray/>. Man Ray Trust - Offical Site. Web. 31 Jan. 2010. <http: //www. manraytrust. com/>. "On. Culture. eu - Finland - Surrealism and Beyond. " On. Culture. eu. Web. 31 Jan. 2010. <http: //www. onculture. eu/story. aspx? s_id=1027&z_id=8>. Sam, Hunter, . American art of the 20 th century. New York: H. N. Abrams, 1972. Print.