Man Ray | Lee Miller: Partners in Surrealism

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Man Ray | Lee Miller: Partners in Surrealism consists of approximately 115 photographs, paintings, drawings, and manuscripts that explore the creative interaction between Man Ray and Lee Miller, two giants of European Surrealism. This is the first exhibition to focus exclusively on the pair’s artistic relationship. It also includes selected works by artists in Ray and Miller’s circle in Paris, including paintings by Pablo Picasso, Max Ernst, Roland Penrose, Dora Maar, and a small sculpture by Alexander Calder.

From 1929 to 1932, Man Ray and Lee Miller lived together in Paris, first as teacher and student, and later as lovers. Their mercurial relationship resulted in some of the most powerful works of each artist’s career, and helped shape the course of modern art. The two artists inspired each other equally, collaborating on several projects. Though they lived together for only three years, the exhibition examines the lingering effect each had on the other’s art. Connecting photography with other media, the exhibition reveals how the Surrealists combined imagery in unexpected ways, creating extraordinary feats of imagination.

Sponsors

Man Ray | Lee Miller: Partners in Surrealism is organized by the Peabody Essex Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. 

Currently on view