Photography Collection

Man Ray, Solarisation 1931, © Man Ray Trust, Paris / VG Bild-Kunst, Bonn 2008

A 20-year contact developed between the famous artist Man Ray (1890-1976) and the passionate photography collector L. Fritz Gruber (1908-2005), whichculminated in joint projects such as the solo exhibition of Man Ray's works at the photokina-Bilderschauen in 1960, the book Man Ray Portraits published in 1963 and the presentation of the DGPh's (German Society for Photography) Culture Award to Man Ray in 1966.
From this co-operation the collectors Renate and L. Fritz Gruber, who lived inCologne, have compiled an extensive private collection highlighting the work of Man Ray, which serves as the basis for the exhibition and accompanying publication. In addition to photographs, the items include works of art and objects made by the artist, extensive correspondence and numerous monographs, exhibition catalogues, reviews from national and international press etc. The multifaceted contents reflect the personal interest on the part of the Cologne photo expert L. Fritz Gruber in the work of the artist Man Ray, as well as providing art history with important information on the last phase of the artist's creative life. The exhibition opens up a new chapter on the reception of photography in Germany. In addition, the cultural relevance of the Rhineland region, with its lively and varied art landscapes in highlighted. This private collection is being shown for the first time from 16 May - 31 August in Room 1 of Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur, Cologne and is complemented by loans from numerous museums and private collection.

Man Ray and L. Fritz Gruber - Years of Friendship 1956 - 1976
16 May - 31 August 2008
Die Photographische Sammlung/SK Stiftung Kultur
Im Mediapark 7
Cologne, Germany