To Be Continued Unnoticed. Some Papers by Man Ray in Connection with His Exposition, December 1948. [INSCRIBED] [No.12 of 125 Copies w/ a Signed Print]

Man Ray

Published by Copley Galleries, Beverly Hills, 1948

About this Item

Small Folio 18pp. Two original stiff cover pages in yellow (front shaped as triangle) and blue holding the illustrated sixteen page Copley Galleries program with two original contributions by Man Ray and press reviews on back cover. Inscribed "To James + Evelyn with affection Man Ray" on cover of pink-colored program page "Some Papers by Man Ray" in connection with his exhibition December 1948. James Laid in a offset reproduction of the photomontage known as "Spiderwoman," hand-numbered (12/125) and signed Man Ray in red pencil. The inscribees James Fitzsimmons, a Hollywood photographer, and his then-wife Evelyn Dawson were friendly with Man Ray and his wife Juliet during their time in Hollywood, the two women having been brought together by their mutual interest in dance (Juliet had studied with Martha Graham in New York, and Evelyn had danced with the Denishaw troupe). Evelyn modeled on occasion for Man Ray. A photograph of her is reproduced in page 285 of "Man Ray Portraits: Paris-Hollywood-Paris" (Schirmer/Mosel 2011). The exhibition, according to Man Ray biographer Neil Baldwin, "was one of the most impressive displays of Man Ray's art. It was well chosen and intimate [and] there were also a few spectacular surprises." It was also his last major show in America, as he was soon to give up on living in Hollywood and move back to Paris, more or less permanently, in 1951. The program is illustrated with b/w photograph on cover and five reproductions of drawings and paintings by Man Ray. The laid in offset reproduction of "Spiderwoman" is considered one of the important Surrealist portraits of women by Man Ray. During the 1920s well-known photographs, e.g. "La Prière" and "other pictures reminiscent to de Sade: peaches, pears, the apple with a screw instead of an apple stem, substituting for the female body - delicious, alluring, depersonalized. Sex could be, as in "La Prière," a saving grace or a deadly trap." (Man Ray, Complete Works, Schaffhausen 1989, page 217ff. The catalog was issued in a print run of 275 copies. Of these 125 copies contain a signed and numbered offset reproduction of the photomontage "Spiderwoman" (contrary to the colophon, suggesting an original photograph), printed by Lynton R. Kistler on rose and yellow paper. Man Ray contributed two short texts. The first, with decorative initial, is a Man Ray elaboration on art, the process of creating art, and the exchange with the public. The second piece is entitled "A Note on the Shakespearean Equations" and contains a letter from Man Ray to André Breton, explaining Man Ray's position among Surrealists: "I like to carry my propaganda into the enemy's camp. It is the only effective propaganda. We do not need to convert those who are already on our side." The exhibition at the Copley Galleries was one of the most important exhibitions of Man Ray in the USA. Though the Copley Galleries existed only for six months, William and Nora Copley introduced Man Ray to Rosalind Gersten, the important Surrealism collector. Text in English. Covers with some sunning along edges, half an inch staining along foredge of cover. Program with minor sunning along edges and blue cover page darkened somewhat except for the areas covered by the yellow triangle cover. Covers in good-, interior in very good+ condition.

Seller Inventory # 52009

Bibliographic Details

• Title: To Be Continued Unnoticed. Some Papers by Man Ray in Connection with His Exposition, December 1948. [INSCRIBED] [No.12 of 125 Copies w/ a Signed Print]
• Publisher: Copley Galleries, Beverly Hills
• Publication Date: 1948
• Binding: Softcover
• Edition: First edition.
• Condition: Good to very good+ condition
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Arts: Fine