Man Ray

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, Biography

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

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.

[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.

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this man.... so freaking intriguing