“Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask ‘how’, while others of a more curious nature will ask ‘why’. Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.” – Man Ray

Man Ray, Tears, 1932

“The artist who brought Surrealism to a new medium Man Ray (1890-1976) is indisputably one of the most original artists of the 20th century. His revolutionary nude studies, fashion work, and portraits opened a new chapter in the history of photography. Born under the name of Emmanuel Radnitzky in Philadelphia, he began his artistic career in New York. In 1921 he moved to Paris, where he was enthusiastically welcomed into Dadaist and Surrealist circles. Man Ray experimented tirelessly with new photographic techniques, multiple exposure, rayography, and solarization being some of his most famous. Erotic, playful, and sometimes sinister, his compositions show unusual bodies and objects: strange, striking images that transform our perceptions of reality. This collection of famous, lesser known, and unknown works fully illustrates Man Ray’s singular visionary power.” – Introduction to Man Ray published by Taschen Press.

For Man Ray’s biography visit: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/americanmasters/episodes/man-ray/prophet-of-the-avant-garde/510/. Please note his last name was actually Radnitzky, not Rabinovitch. PBS got that one wrong!

Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum online to learn more about Man Ray: http://www.getty.edu/art/gettyguide/artObjectDetails?artobj=44253

Here are some great books on Man Ray including his fantastic autobiography and the insightful documentary Man Ray: Prophet of the Avant-Garde produced by PBS.