Modern and Contemporary Art Cadeau (Gift) 1963 (replica of lost 1921 original) Man Ray, American, 1890 - 1976 Cast iron; brass tacks * Gallery 181, Modern and Contemporary Art, first floor 2005-148-1 Purchased with the Henry P. McIlhenny Fund in memory of Frances P. McIlhenny, 2005 |
LabelOn December 13, 1921, the day of his first solo exhibition in Paris, Man Ray purchased an ordinary flat iron, a box of tacks, and a tube of glue. He glued the tacks onto the iron, titled it Cadeau, and added it to the exhibition. This iconoclastic object exemplifies Man Ray's emphasis on the juxtaposition of two completely unrelated elements in his assemblages, which he explained were "designed to amuse, annoy, bewilder, mystify, inspire reflection, but not to arouse admiration for any technical excellence usually sought or valued in objects classified as works of art."* Works in the collection are moved off view for many different reasons. Although gallery locations on the website are updated regularly, there is no guarantee that this object will be on display on the day of your visit. |
