A glimpse beyond the iconic artist’s photographs.
One of Dadaism and Surrealism’s most recognizable artists, Man Ray became a household name as a photographer, achieving lasting fame with erotic, absurdist images as well as conventional portraits, fashion spreads, nude studies and his experimental “Rayographs.” A quintessential American in Paris, he was a fixture of the early 20th century Montparnasse scene, portraying many of his friends like Henri Matisse, Marcel Duchamp, Meret Oppenheim, Salvador Dali, Piet Mondrian, Pablo Picasso, James Joyce or Coco Chanel.
However, Man Ray always considered himself a painter, favoring dreamlike arrangements and sharp, cubist angularity. His creative output ranged much further though, dabbling in film production, writing, graphic design, typography and even sewing, having spent his early years helping out in his father’s tailoring business.
Collecting over 200 objects from around the world including photographs, paintings, collages, short films and sculptures, the Kunstforum offers a comprehensive overview of Ray’s work over the years, setting the record straight on the multi-talented creator.
Feb 14-Jun 24, Kunstforum. 1., Freyung 8. kunstforumwien.at
