Conversion to Modernism: The Early Work of Man Ray

by Francis M. Naumann, Man Ray

Man Ray (1890–1976) has long been considered one of the most versatile and innovative artists of the twentieth century. As a painter, writer, sculptor, photographer, and filmmaker, he is best known for his intimate association with the French Surrealist group in Paris during the 1920s and 1930s, particularly for his highly inventive and unconventional photographic images. These remarkable accomplishments, however, have tended to overshadow the importance of his earlier work—significant not only for comprehending Man Ray’s future artistic development, but also for fleshing out our understanding of the visual arts in America during one of the most important and crucial phases of the evolution of modernism.

The book, and the exhibition for which this work will serve as the catalog, concentrate on Man Ray’s production from 1907 to 1917. Conversion to Modernism will be the first comprehensive, fully illustrated work to examine this artist’s seminal years. The show and the catalog begin with Man Ray’s high school years in Brooklyn, his studies at the Art Students League and the American Academy in New York, and the time he spent in life drawing classes at the more progressive Ferrer Center

From 1913 to 1915, Man Ray lived in a small artists’ colony in Grantwood, New Jersey. It was here, studying with Samuel Halpert (a former student of Matisse), that Man Ray began to become the artist we know today. The last section of the show and of the book include recently discovered photographs and other works that are influenced by a knowledge of the emergent Dada movement. Here is Man Ray in recognizable form just before he leaves the country for France in 1921.

This exhibit will first be on display at the Montclair Art Museum from January 26 through March 2003. It will then travel to museums in Athens, Georgia, Philadelphia, and Chicago.

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Critics have long dismissed Man Ray's early work as derivative. This book sets out to show that rather than copying the styles of other early twentieth century modernists, Man Ray was evolving toward his own unique style of surrealism. The book covers his work from childhood until he moved to Paris and the authors do a convincing job of showing this evolution. All the art references are illustrated which is fantastic. The book is a definite must read if you are interested is Abstract art, early modern art, Man Ray, the roots of American modernism, or the evolution of creativity.