Dada image analysis

A cultural movement initially for the visual artists, poets, musicians and creative people around 1916 when it began. The theory behind it was for its 'members' to discuss and analyse what they described as the meaningless of the modern world. It started in Zurich and Switzerland then catapulted across to Berlin, Cologne, Paris, New York, Tokyo and Netherlands.

I have chosen to analyse Man Ray's work during the Dada period and his experimentation with 'Rayographs.'

'It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination to realise them.' - Man Ray

Man Ray was an American artist who was based in Paris. He is known as a modernist and seen as a key part in the Dada and Surrealist movements. He worked extensively as a painter but also had involvement with the media circle which lead to working as a fashion photographer. One of his greatest successes is the 'Photogram' in the 1920's, which later he renamed the 'Rayograph.'

166 Rayograph

This is an example of Man Ray's Rayograph, taken from the book 'Manray photographs' by Thomas & Hudson. 

To produce a Rayograph (photogram), any object can be placed onto photographic paper then exposed to light, all done in the dark room. This leaves a negative effect but as a print, as in the areas covered up by the objects appear white and the rest of the paper is black or grey.