Orchestra Possibly 1926

Man Ray made this print, *Orchestra*, by layering flat, bold shapes of color. I see that the process of making this print becomes a site of inquiry for both the artist and us, the viewers. What could Man Ray have been thinking when he chose these particular colors and shapes? The overlapping forms create new colors and suggest depth. The texture is smooth, with no visible brushstrokes. This flatness keeps our focus on the interplay between colors and shapes. The way the shapes interact reminds me of Matisse's cut-outs, but with a more geometric, mechanical feel, appropriate to Man Ray's interest in photography and machines. In a way, all paintings are in an ongoing conversation, with each artist building on the ideas of those who came before. This piece embraces ambiguity, allowing for multiple interpretations. It invites us to bring our own experiences and associations to the work.