Even though Man Ray is generally known for his innovative photographs, he felt at home in all art genres throughout his life. When examining Man Ray's artistic periods, one encounters abstract paintings and collages in strong colors, which were made since the 1910s in the context of Dadaism, but also impressive experimental films and photographs, which are close to Surrealism.
The circle of avant-garde artists that belonged to Man Ray's friends also comprised representatives of Dada and Surrealism, along with other artists and intellectuals such as Francis Picabia or André Breton. Works by Man Ray, which still emanate an extraordinary fascination, caused an enormous stir in the artist's lifetime. Today they can be found in renowned international collections.
Man Ray's photograph "Kiki, Violon d'Ingres" from 1924 would become an icon, it shows the gently curved back of a woman with sound holes. The observer's perception oscillates between body and violin.