MAN RAY has one of the coolest names in the history of art. However, he was born Emmanuel Radnitzky. He rejected his birth name moved to Paris in 1921 and became the sole American in the vanguard of Parisian Modernism. This transformation represented a conflicted identity and his deep desire to escape the limitations of his Russian Jewish past.

"Le Violon d'Ingres," 1924. Rosalind and Melvin Jacobs Collection. "Lingerie," print from the portfolio Elictricite, 1931. Heckscher Museum of Art, Huntington, New York. Museum purchase with funds provided by Andrea B. and Peter D. Klein. "Gift," c. 1958 (replica of 1921 original). The Museum of Modern Art, New York. James Thrall Soby Fund, 1966. "Rayograph," 1926, gelatin silver print. Private Collection, New York. All images copyright 2009 Man Ray Trust / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York / ADAGP, Paris.

Currently on view at The Jewish Museum in New York City is an impressive survey of Man Ray's art. The show entitled Alias Man Ray: The Art of Reinvention includes a stunning collection of drawings, paintings, sculptures, photographs, "rayographs," poetry, and short films. This work is evidence of a curious mind in the fast lane of continuous experimentation.

Man Ray is also an artist that any graphic designer could love. Read the complete article at FastCompany.

Ken Carbone is a designer, artist, musician, author, teacher and featured blogger. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Director of the Carbone Smolan Agency in New York City. Their client list includes: W Hotels, Morgan Stanley, Canon, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Nonesuch Records, Corbis Images, Architectural Record Magazine, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group and the Musee du Louvre. The agency's work is widely published and is recognized for excellence worldwide. This article originally appeared in Ken Carbone's Yes to Less blog on FastCompany.com.

Alias Man Ray: The Art of Reinvention continues at The Jewish Museum through March 14, 2010. 1109 Fifth Avenue at 92^nd Street, New York, NY.

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