Man Ray's Quotes

I paint what cannot be photographed, that which comes from the imagination or from dreams, or from an unconscious drive.

It has never been my object to record my dreams, just the determination to realize them.

I photograph the things that I do not wish to paint, the things which already have an existence.

One of the satisfactions of a genius is his will-power and obstinacy.

A creator needs only one enthusiast to justify him.

An original is a creation motivated by desire. Any reproduction of an originals motivated be necessity. It is marvelous that we are the only species that creates gratuitous forms. To create is divine, to reproduce is human.

Of course, there will always be those who look only at technique, who ask 'how', while others of a more curious nature will ask 'why'. Personally, I have always preferred inspiration to information.

All critics should be assassinated.

Don't put my name on it. These are simply documents I make.

To me, a painter, if not the most useful, is the least harmful member of our society.