The artwork, “Indestructible Object (or Object to Be Destroyed),” created by Man Ray in 1923, is a ready-made sculpture associated with the Dada and Surrealism art movements. This notable piece is housed in the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, NY, US.
The artwork features a metronome, a device typically used for keeping tempo in music, but with an evocative alteration. Attached to its swinging arm is a black-and-white photograph of an eye, which adds a compelling and surreal element to the piece. This juxtaposition of the mechanical and the organic serves to challenge conventional perceptions and provoke thought, aligning with the dadaist and surrealist tendencies to subvert norms and explore the boundaries of art. The choice of using a ready-made object—a common metronome—and transforming it into an object laden with meaning encapsulates Man Ray’s innovative approach and the transformative power of the Dada and Surrealism movements.
