Man Ray: Gun with Alphabet Stencils, 1924 (The Getty)
“In his Rayographs or photograms, Man Ray was sympathetic to the spirit of Surrealism, using objects from the known world to create an ambiguous and imaginary mental landscape. In this combination, alphabet stencils are scattered like bullets shot from the revolver that glows ominously against the black backdrop. The letters defy rational interpretation, refusing to assemble themselves into recognizable words. Two circular shapes and an unidentifiable form next to the S balance the composition while denying any literal meaning.”
