Man Ray and Max Dupain

This exhibition brings into dialogue for the first time the contemporaneous work of American-born artist Man Ray and eminent Australian photographer Max Dupain, with a focus on their experimentation with surrealist imagery and innovative photographic techniques. Featuring more than 200 prints spanning a range of subject matter, from the nude, still life and portraits to fashion and advertising, the exhibition also considers the artists’ respective collaborations with their creative and romantic partners, Lee Miller and Olive Cotton.

This education resource provides both selected exhibition wall texts and abridged essays from the Man Ray and Max Dupain catalogue. These have been provided to give students an understanding of the artists’ experimentation with surrealist imagery and innovative photographic techniques.

Designed for students Years 7-12, this resource can be used to assist with preparation for the gallery visit, and to support engagement back in the classroom when reflecting on the exhibition.

The learning activities include talking points, ideas and considerations to facilitate discussion on some of the following aspects of the exhibition; the creative practices of Man Ray, Max Dupain, their work with Lee Miller and Olive Cotton; Surrealism, portrait photography and rayograms.