I photograph the things that I do not wish to paint, the things which already have an existence.
Meaning of the quote
This quote means that sometimes, Man Ray took photographs of things he did not want to paint. He took pictures of things that already existed in the real world, instead of creating them from his imagination through painting.
About Man Ray
Man Ray was an American visual artist who spent most of his career in Paris. He was a significant contributor to the Dada and Surrealist movements, and was best known for his pioneering photography and fashion/portrait work. He is also noted for his work with photograms, which he called “rayographs” in reference to himself.
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More quotes from Man Ray
All critics should be assassinated.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)
I photograph the things that I do not wish to paint, the things which already have an existence.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)
An original is a creation motivated by desire. Any reproduction of an originals motivated be necessity. It is marvelous that we are the only species that creates gratuitous forms. To create is divine, to reproduce is human.
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Don’t put my name on it. These are simply documents I make.
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I paint what cannot be photographed, that which comes from the imagination or from dreams, or from an unconscious drive.
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Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask ‘how’, while others of a more curious nature will ask ‘why’. Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)
One of the satisfactions of a genius is his will-power and obstinacy.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)
To me, a painter, if not the most useful, is the least harmful member of our society.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)
A creator needs only one enthusiast to justify him.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)
It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination to realize them.
American artist and photographer (1890-1976)