Man Ray. (American, 1890-1976). Rayograph. 1922. Gelatin Silver print, 9 3/4 x 11 3/4" (23.9 x 29.9 cm). Gift of James Thrall Soby. © 2001 Man Ray Trust/ARS, N.Y./ADAGP, Paris

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May Ray called his adventurous photograms, such as the one you see here, "rayographs." A photogram is made without a camera; instead objects are placed on photographic paper and exposed to light. The paper darkens only where it is exposed to light, leaving behind lighter shapes where the objects were placed.

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Man Ray once said, "Everyone will tell you I am not a photographer."

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