Man Ray: The Painter

Promenade, 1941, oil on canvas.

Salvador Dali and Man Ray, 1934

Man Ray (1890 - 1976) was born in Philadelphia, PA but spent most of his artistic career in Paris and was identified strongly with the Dada and Surrealist movements.

Acclaimed primarily as a photographer he produced works in a variety of media and considered himself a painter above all else. Here is an example of his diverse body of paintings.

Pisces, 1938, oil on canvas. 

Don't put my name on it. These are simply documents I make.

The Rope Dancer Accompanies Herself with Her Shadows, 1916.

The Misunderstood, 1938

Man Ray

Hills, 1914, 26 x 30 cm.

I paint what cannot be photographed, that which comes from the imagination or from dreams, or from an unconscious drive.

Jazz, 1919, 71 x 55 cm.

Man Ray with, then partner, Adrienne Fidelin, ca. 1930's.

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.

To me, a painter, if not the most useful, is the least harmful member of our society.

La Fortune, 1938

Still Life with Red Tea Kettle, 1913, 30 x 25 cm.

All critics should be assassinated. 

A Night at Saint Jean-de-Luz, 1929

Imaginary Portrait of the Marquis de Sade

There is no progress in art, any more than there is progress in making love. There are simply different ways of doing it.

Man Ray ca. 1932

Man Ray photographed by Lothar Wolleh in Paris, 1975.

*All images are © by their respective holders.