May Ray worked in a huge variety of media--including film, sculpture, photography, collage, print-making, painting, illustration, mobile-making and drawing. Especially inspiring are his “Rayographs” (all meanings of his adopted name “Ray” being fully intended) whereby he placed objects directly on film and exposed them to rays of light (various exposures) without using a camera. It can be fun and a bit challenging for kids to pick out the perfectly ordinary objects Man Ray used to create these extraordinary photos. He also did this with short movie films—which are worth viewing for at least a few minutes.

We also really enjoyed the “Dada” room (Dadaism being the precursor to Surrealism). You'll recognize Dadaism from the sculptures he did with buddy Marcel Duchamp which used found objects out of context to create new meanings—kids today might see this as recycling or the ultimate in “green” art. The clothes iron with the nails in it (how do you make a useful object useless?) and the metronome with ex-girlfriend Lee Miller’s eyeball on it (“Indestructible Object”)--were big hits with my gang.

The last section, much of which is work produced when the artist lived in Hollywood, offers an uncharacteristically bold and bright color palette and is particularly kid-accessible. We liked his painting of a man made up of tree knots and roots, a nod to Renaissance painter Archimboldo, as well as the “pool table painting” (“La Fortune”) representing the very uncertain fate of Europe at the time (just before WWII).

Upon his post-war return to Paris he created a unique self-portrait entitled “Main Ray” (literally the hand of Ray) which was made using flea market finds: a porcelain mannequin hand (glove mold?) made to hold a small yellow ball—not unlike the artist himself grasping the tiny world of light he crafted for himself—the only universe over which had true control.

Before you exit the gallery, watch at least some of the short (7 minute) film in the last room. An older Man Ray waxes hilarious, cocky, political and philosophical and manages to be a charming and amusing raconteur while lending helpful perspective on his oeuvre. Not too hard for the over-5 set to “get” and a nice way to end the show.

The show is all on one floor (the first) but there is a fair amount to see. It's a good idea to speed through some of it and focus on the best stuff. In addition to seeing the highlights mentioned above (rayographs, Dada room, etc), don’t skip the self portraits (in the earliest section) including the cool “life mask.”. Identity was an important and ongoing theme for Man Ray--born Emmanuel Radnitzky in Philly—son of Russian Jewish immigrants. He grew up in Brooklyn (yes, a local boychik!) but never felt that he “fit in” so early works show his search for a new identity of his own confection and are a continuing theme in his work.

Also do not miss the works inspired by French neoclassicist painter Ingres. Ingres was known for fudging female proportions to huge degree with uncannily lovely results. This fakery fascinated Man Ray who returned to Ingres-inspired works throughout his career including the very famous “doctored” photo of then-girlfriend Kiki Montparnasse depicted as a violin and entitled “Le Violon D’Ingres” which, in French, means not just Mr. Ingres’ Violin but also a person’s hobby or amusement, ergo a pun. (The lovely muse Ms. Montparnasse herself was, indeed, Monsieur Ray’s favorite “amusement” at the time.)

NUDIE NOTE: The show offers occasional nude female imagery—mostly photographic, some filmic, all beautiful. If you have any concerns you can google “Man Ray nudes” and click on the “images” tab to see what to expect.

WHERE TO GO: The Jewish Museum, 1109 5th Avenue at 92nd Street

WHEN: Any time before March 14th when the show closes.

FREEBIE TIP: Go on a Saturday when museum admission is FREE all day.

TIPS FOR ART YOUR KIDS CAN DO WITH YOU AS INSPIRED BY THE SHOW:
1. Create your own rayograph using a Sunprint Kit. All you need is a little sun and the special paper available HERE.

2. Man Ray changed his name and created a new, bold identity for himself (as artist, as Parisian fashion photographer, as Dadaist prankster, etc), which you can also see in his self-portraits. Have your child make up an artistic alias for her/himself and create 3 self-portraits which convey his/her new artistic identity. They don’t have to be literal or even show the face (think of the “Main Ray” object in the show). Use a different medium for each of the portraits such (e.g. photo—digital is fine, charcoal sketch, collage, etc).

3. Use found objects, junk, or stuff from home to change the meaning or use of something familiar to us as Man Ray did (think of the egg beater that became a man when photographed or the laundry that became a painted “Flying Dutchman” for example.). It can be “3-D” or on paper, whatever suits you.

SEEING MORE SURREAL ART IN NYC:
If your kids go gaga for Dada or swoon over the Surreal take them to see more of the city’s surreal offerings. The MOMA has the finest and most extensive collection here in NYC. They also have a special surrealist show (don’t let the title dissuade you) that you may want to preview online HERE to see if it’s appropriate for your particular kids. You’ll also find plenty of neat surreal art at the Guggenheim. Preview some of their collection HERE. The MET Museum also has some great surrealist works. Last but not least, there are galleries that feature lesser known (but definitely view-worthy) works like lithos and prints by surreal masters Dali and Miro. The William Bennett Gallery in Soho is one of them (we’ve been, it’s worthwhile). There is also the CFM Gallery in Chelsea.