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Artworks
Man RayValentine Hugo as Queen of Diamonds, 1935Gelatin silver print, printed ca. 1935
6 5/8 x 4 1/2 in. (16.8 x 11.4 cm)(BSG 36)***MAN RAY (American, 1890 - 1976)
Man Ray, born Emmanuel Radnitzky, was a prominent multimedia artist, best known for his experimental photography. From the surrealist art scene in Paris to the fashion photography scene in New York, Ray was a crucial component of every artistic circle he took part in.
Ray’s photography career began in 1915 when he met French artist Marcel Duchamp and formed the New York group of Dada artists. However, Ray soon moved to Paris and became associated with the Parisian Dada and Surrealist circle of artists and writers as well. In both cities, Ray was an influential force, mentoring several rising photographers such as Bill Brandt and Francesca Woodman. Outside of his more avant-garde work, Ray was also a successful portrait and fashion photographer for publications such as Vogue, Bazaar, and Vanity Fair. His work was exhibited extensively in several shows worldwide, including Fantastic Art, Dada, Surrealism (1936-37) at the Museum of Modern Art and the Venice Photography Biennale. Ray died in 1976 at the age of 86. Today, his photographs, drawings, sculptures, and films remain in the permanent collections of the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Tate Modern in London, among others.
