Doing Street Photography while visiting museums and exhibitions is one of my favorite things to do with a camera (or in this case just my iPhone). Another opportunity arose during a recent visit to Genoa. The doge’s apartments of the Palazzo Ducale are featuring an exhibition of the work of Emmanuel Radnitzky, better known as Man Ray. The title image of the exhibition was already featured in another recent post. Join me for a tour of Man Ray’s work. Check it out by clicking the link below. A little disclaimer: the post needs to be treated as NSFW 😉
Born in Philadelphia in 1890, Man Ray was an American modernist artist who made significant contributions to the fields of photography, painting, and sculpture. He is best known for his association with the Dada and Surrealist movements, as well as for his innovative experiments with photography, which led to the development of unique techniques and styles.
In his teenage years he started his artistic career as a painter. In 1915, Emmanuel Radnitzky moved to New York City, where he became involved with the avant-garde art scene. It was during this time that he adopted the name Man Ray, which he felt better reflected his identity as an artist.
In the early 1920s, Man Ray moved to Paris, a hub of artistic creativity, and became an active participant in the Dada movement. He collaborated with fellow artists and writers such as Marcel Duchamp, Tristan Tzara, and André Breton. Man Ray’s works from this period often incorporated elements of chance, irony, and humor, challenging traditional forms of art.
In addition to his photography, Man Ray also produced sculptures and paintings that incorporated his distinct visual language. His sculptures often combined everyday objects and found materials, transforming them into poetic and evocative artworks.
However, it was Man Ray’s pioneering work in photography that brought him international recognition. He explored new techniques, such as solarization (a process that reverses tones and creates a surreal effect) and the rayograph (a cameraless photographic technique that exposes ordinary objects to light while placing them directly onto photosensitive paper). These experimental methods allowed him to create abstract compositions and dreamlike imagery. Many of these images were on display in this exhibition.
Throughout his career, Man Ray captured portraits of prominent figures from the art, fashion, and literary worlds, including Pablo Picasso, James Joyce, and Coco Chanel. His portraits were often characterized by unconventional angles, lighting, and composition, imbuing them with a sense of mystery and intrigue.
Man Ray’s contributions to the Surrealist movement were significant, both in terms of his imagery and his involvement in Surrealist publications, which explored themes of desire, the subconscious, and the uncanny.
With the outbreak of World War II, Man Ray fled Europe and returned to the United States. He settled in Los Angeles, where he continued his artistic practice, focusing more on painting. In the 1950s, he also experimented with filmmaking, creating several avant-garde films.
Man Ray’s work continues to influence and inspire contemporary artists. His innovative approach to photography, his willingness to push boundaries, and his ability to merge different art forms have secured his place as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. His works can be found in major museums and collections around the world.
I had a bit of mixed feelings after visiting the exhibition. I found many of Man Ray’s portrait photographs fascinating and inspiring. But there was also lot’s of crazy stuff on display I really didn’t connect with. If you want to check out more of his work, also his sculptures and paintings, you will find plenty on the web. None less it was fun to once more shooting street photography in an exhibition.
All photographs taken with my iPhone 14 Pro. Post-processed (mainly B&W conversion) in Lightroom Classic.
Have a great Thursday
Marcus
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Marcus, you were so lucky to see the work of Man Ray. He is one of my favorite portrait photographers. Thank you for bringing this artist to us and sharing your visit to exhibition of his work.
Happy to hear you feel inspired by Man Ray too. Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Kaya!
What a good tour. Thank you, Marcus.
Thanks, Stephen, glad you liked it! Marcus
Wow Marcus, I have never heard of this man but find his work very intriguing. And a bit naughty too. There was a 1980s TV cartoon character called Man Ray here. Thanks for the fascinating read, Marcus. 😎
Glad you liked the Man Ray post, John. Never heard of the cartoon character, but I will look it up!