The Heide Museum of Modern Art is currently hosting an exhibition titled 'Man Ray and Max Dupain,' showcasing over 200 photographs from both pioneering artists, highlighting their provocative depictions of beauty and the female body across various genres such as still life, nudes, portraits, fashion, and advertising.

The exhibition is described as a celebration of beauty and pleasure, emphasizing the artists’ boundary-pushing work, with co-curator Emmanuelle de l’Ecotais highlighting this perspective.

Max Dupain’s transition from pictorialism to modernist Surrealism is evident through works like 'Still Life' (1935), showcasing his exploration of mechanistic and classical themes, with some pieces referencing modernist ideas and montage.

Man Ray’s iconic photograph 'Le Violon d’Ingres' (1924) uses photogram techniques to depict Kiki de Montparnasse, referencing classical art and highlighting his playful, experimental style.

A dedicated darkroom space showcases Ray’s and Dupain’s photogram experiments, emphasizing their use of the 'rayograph' technique to challenge perceptions and incorporate organic and figurative imagery.

This exhibition features vintage prints and works sourced from private collections in Paris and Australian collections, demonstrating how both artists challenged conventions and celebrated sensuality in their photography.

Born in 1911 in New South Wales, Max Dupain was influenced by global art movements and introduced innovative techniques, while Man Ray, born Emmanuel Radnitsky in 1890, became a prominent figure in Paris’s vibrant art scene.

The legacy of both photographers remains significant today, with their work still feeling modern and relevant in contemporary art and photography.

The exhibition also highlights the influence of women artists Lee Miller and Olive Cotton, who were both models and significant contributors to the art, impacting the works of Ray and Dupain.

Man Ray’s experimental techniques such as solarisation and rayographs are central themes of the exhibition, illustrating his innovative use of light and chance, with some works from private collections and reprints.

Running until November 9, 2025, the exhibition is regarded as a well-curated, engaging, and insightful dialogue across time and continents, celebrating the innovative spirit of Ray and Dupain.

In addition to photography, the exhibition includes media like Man Ray’s 1926 film 'Emak Bakia,' reflecting his Dadaist and absurdist influences and complementing his experimental approach to art.