Man Ray

Photo Poche #33

by Man Ray (Photographer), Merry A. Foresta (Introduction)

He was soon experimenting with different processes—solarization, negative images, multiple exposures—and in 1921 he created the "rayograph." This volume collects together the best of his experimental work, as well as portraits of some of the most important figures in modern art.



About the series: The classic Photofile series brings together the best work of the world's greatest photographers in an attractive format and at a reasonable price. Handsome and collectible, the books are produced to the highest standards. Each volume contains some sixty full-page reproductions printed in superb duotone, together with a critical introduction and a full bibliography. Now back in print, the series was awarded the first annual prize for distinguished photographic books by the International Center of Photography.

Genres: Photography, Art, Nonfiction, The United States Of America, Biography, Reference

144 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 1988

About the author

Man Ray (born Emmanuel Radnitzky), was an American artist who spent most of his career in Paris, France. Perhaps best described simply as a modernist, he was a significant contributor to both the Dada and Surrealist movements, although his ties to each were informal. Best known in the art world for his avant-garde photography, Man Ray produced major works in a variety of media and considered himself a painter above all. He was also a renowned fashion and portrait photographer.

While appreciation for Man Ray’s work beyond his fashion and portrait photography was slow in coming during his lifetime, especially in his native United States, his reputation has grown steadily in the decades since.

In 1999, ARTnews magazine named him one of the 25 most influential artists of the 20th century, citing his groundbreaking photography as well as "his explorations of film, painting, sculpture, collage, assemblage, and prototypes of what would eventually be called performance art and conceptual art" and saying "Man Ray offered artists in all media an example of a creative intelligence that, in its 'pursuit of pleasure and liberty,'" — Man Ray’s stated guiding principles — "unlocked every door it came to and walked freely where it would."

Reviews

[Steven Godin · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the blurred portrait of Marquise Casati right at the start of this book I knew I was going to love it. Features many figures from the Dada and Surrealism movement - from Tristan Tzara and Antonin Artaud, to André Breton and René Crevel. Plus images from his 'Rayographs' ( made without a camera or lens), and photography using such diverse methodology including distortion, negative print and solarization. And who can forget one of the most famous of them all - Le Violon d'Ingres. The way he revitalized and revolutionized visual art at the time was second to none.

[Jon Nakapalau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great introduction to this important artist. Think that so much of what we have come to accept as modern art was really started by a small group of artists that did not let the opinion of critics influence their vision; Man Ray is one of the few artistes who always seem to be 'modern' to me even as the tastes change.

[Shayla Fish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taschen is my favorite art book publisher. They have a variety of art books and my favorites are their icon series-small books filled with compelling images.

I actually had a little obsession near the end of my high school years with collecting these art books, which inevitably led to my discovery of photographer Man Ray.

Discovering the name of the artist whose works you have been familiarized with in the past is an enchanting experience.

This book covers Man Ray's techniques to an extent where you can understand his work.

The book displays images of models, still life, as well as showcasing his famous solarization and photogram techniques. However, this book does not contain enough information for the reader to really understand the history of Man Ray, there is some text, yes, not enough to educate. This is more of an adult picture book for me-which I am totally fine with.

[Surat Sadsang]

good

[Kurage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well made book. Right amount of explanatory descriptions and photographs.

[Robert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Collection of paintings and rayographs

[João Moura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Um resumo da arte de Man Ray, o maior artista fotógrafo do século XX, um verdadeiro poeta da fotografia, que com as suas técnicas inovadoras e simples títulos de obras criava fascinantes mundos imagéticos.

[Marieta · Rating 5 out of 5]

best photographer of all times hiii

[Conor Farah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always loved Man Ray photography, I bought this book at the Getty center in LA after the exhibition with famous photographers was closed. I especially fell in love with Man Ray for being one of the pioneers of light photography along with Picasso’s 1980’s photography era. I truly love his form and style with everything especially using solarization and clever analog camera tricks.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this man.... so freaking intriguing

[Chris S · Rating 4 out of 5]

The photo 'Marquise Casati 1922' rather spooky.

[Ashok Sirugudi]

beautiful

[Didine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hopp deuxième livre pour la méthodo 😌

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5