Kiki Man Ray

Art, Love, and Rivalry in 1920s Paris

By: Mark Braude

Narrated by: Karen Cass

In freewheeling 1920s Paris, Kiki de Montparnasse captivated as a nightclub performer, sold out gallery showings of her paintings, starred in Surrealist films, and shared drinks and ideas with the likes of Jean Cocteau and Marcel Duchamp. Her best-selling memoir—featuring an introduction by Ernest Hemingway—made front-page news in France and was immediately banned in America. All before she turned thirty.

Kiki was once the symbol of bohemian Paris. But if she is remembered today, it is only for posing for several now-celebrated male artists, including Amedeo Modigliani and Alexander Calder, and especially photographer Man Ray.

Kiki and Man Ray met in 1921 during a chance encounter at a cafe. What followed was an explosive decade-long connection, both professional and romantic, during which the couple grew and experimented as artists, competed for fame, and created many of the shocking images that cemented Man Ray's reputation as one of the great artists of the modern era.

Charting their volatile relationship, award-winning historian Mark Braude illuminates for the first time Kiki's seminal influence not only on Man Ray's art, but on the culture of 1920s Paris and beyond.

©2022 Mark Braude (P)2022 Tantor

Kiki Lives!

An excellent reproduction of Kiki’s life and times.
A beautiful soul who lit up the world around her.
A hundred years later we can still dream of her.

Very entertaining!

A interesting insight into the lives of early 20th century artists in the Montparasse community.

Compelling Artist

Humane and enthralling story of a lady and artist of the 1920’s Paris. Narrator somewhat annoyingly mispronouncing too often is more comical than annoying but at times both. A good listen.

Marvelous biography of an interesting model & muse.

This is an informative and entertaining tale of an important figure in the art circles of Montparnasse and other areas of France in the early to mid 20th century. Brief insights into her manifold lovers and associates give insight into several personalities of the era. Kiki deserves greater attention today than she has heretofore received. Highly recommended.

Very enjoyable.

An Interesting and well done story that evokes both Kiki and Paris in the 1920s.