Ths exhibition, entitled 'The Mysteries of Chateau du De' exhibits works of artists primarily in directing and film. Man Ray's image present in this exhibit is a film still from the film 'L'etoile de mer'. In his career, Man Ray was a very multidisciplinary artist. This exhibition promotes his early work in film, which is often overlooked. He is more well-known for his photography work. Man Ray began his endeavors in the film industry in 1920 when he worked with filmmaker Marcel Duchamp on a three dimensional film project, which was unsuccessful. After a year of further experimenting in the art of photography, Man Ray was drawn back to film. He discovered a series of surrealism films, which closely correlated with his prior photography work. This inspiration served as a guide for Man Ray to expand his artistic medium of surrealism and abstract work that he had already begun to establish with his photography. After a significant amount of time exploring various styles and genres of film, Man Ray began to create films exhibiting different artwork and installations. His goal was to leave viewers thinking about contrast between the literal and the imaginative and how those elements contributed to artwork.

The reason that I offered that background concerning those three events is because it helps me to explain what Suzy Solidor was doing socially, culturally, and politically when Man Ray created it. Each event in this timeline relates to the presentation of figures in artwork and ideas and feelings these presentations relay to the viewer. This image of Suzy Solidor in particular, while it may seem simple, provides the viewer with an excellent sense of the art of photography and film in the 1920s, 30s, and 40s. I chose to explain two exhibitions featuring Man Ray's work because they provide a powerful background as to who he was and how he established himself as an artist. The image of Solidor exudes a strong, dramatic abstract contrast. The dark background forces the viewer to intently focus on Solidor's figure and the feelings her stance and presence exude. Man Ray's work in film and desire to leave viewers with their imaginations also aids in understanding and analyzing this image. A viewer may be able to relate to a feeling or thought they believe is portrayed through this dynamic piece. Suzy Solidor's personal and professional image and reputation also strongly relate to the concept of this image. Solidor was a proud lesbian and the first woman to own a nightclub. She used her sexuality to successfully create a name for herself not only through her entertainment craft, but through her modeling and posing. Solidor's brand, status, and reputation in the modeling industry earned her numerous opportunities to pose for hundreds of artists. This gave her the platform to exude many different emotions and express herself through art. Her image inspired other women during this time and created a safe space for self expression and equal representation. 

“Man Ray's LA, Beverly Hills.” Gagosian, 12 Apr. 2018, https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2018/man-rays-la/. Accessed 2 April 2023.

"Ava Gardner by Man Ray." Gagosian, 1950. https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2018/man-rays-la/. Accessed 2 April 2023.

“Suzy Solidor & La Vie Parisienne.” Europeana, https://www.europeana.eu/en/blog/suzy-solidor-and-la-vie-parisienne. Accessed 2 April 2023.

"Suzy Solidor et Jean Cocteau." Europeana, https://www.europeana.eu/en/blog/suzy-solidor-and-la-vie-parisienne. Accessed 2 April 2023.

“Man Ray: The Mysteries of Château Du Dé, San Francisco.” Gagosian, 4 Dec. 2019, https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2020/man-ray-the-mysteries-of-chateau-d.... Accessed 3 April 2023.

"Film Still fron L'etoile de mer by Man Ray." Gagosian, https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2020/man-ray-the-mysteries-of-chateau-d.... Accessed 3 April 2023.