The power of Man Ray: photographer, artist, visionary
It seems unlikely that Michael Emmanuel Radnitzky – born in 1890 in Philadelphia, but a Parisian by inclination – would have achieved quite the same name recognition had he not adopted the tag Man Ray. He might, though, have still hobnobbed with both Duchamp and the surrealists, taken portraits of Europe's art elite and then Hollywood stars and, along the way, had a famous relationship with Lee Miller and helped establish photography as a legitimate and powerful artistic medium (even if he remained unconvinced of that). He was 20th century art's de facto official photographer – particularly of the creative swirl, nodes and networks of Paris between the wars – but as active participant rather than neutral outsider.
Ray had started out as painter and collaborated with Duchamp in New York before decamping to Paris in 1921. There, in a series of remarkable portraits and sort-of-still-lives, and using extreme crops, props, photomontage and experimental lighting and printing (particularly with his X-ray-like 'rayographs' of found objects), he took photography to new places. He shot Duchamp, Hemingway, Schoenberg, Joyce, Picasso, Peggy Guggenheim, Cocteau, Stravinsky, Matisse, Magritte, Miro, Dali, Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, Virginia Wolf, Le Corbusier, Ava Gardner, Catherine Deneuve and – an iconic and enduring series and subset – the dazzling and thoroughly modern Ms Miller. He died in Paris in 1976, aged 86.
Incidentally, William Wegman, in tribute, named the first and most famous of his weimaraners Man Ray. Look out for much more on him in our October issue.
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox
-
Molly Goddard on creating a community of contemporary brides
As new Molly Goddard bridal wear is released, the designer talks about creating romantic but real wedding dresses, while three recent brides tell the stories behind their own Goddard gowns
By Jack Moss Published
-
Palazzo Roma embodies the heritage of Roman noblesse
Palazzo Roma, part of the Shedir Collection, boasts eclectic and eccentric interiors by Giampiero Panepinto
By Luke Abrahams Published
-
Boise Passive House’s bold gestures support an environmentally friendly design
Boise Passive House by Haas Architecture combines sleek, contemporary design and environmental efficiency
By Ellie Stathaki Published