To Hofmann, Love from Buddha

Ray dedicated this ink and gouache drawing to her former teacher Hans Hofmann two years after she left New York. She had studied with Hofmann there for six years. The work clearly refers to the work of Joan Miró, whose dreamlike compositions, full of biomorphic shapes and bright colors, were influential to Ray’s painting and graphic design, and influenced Hofmann at an earlier time in his career. Hofmann also owned works by Miró. Ray used her nickname in the dedication. She was called “Buddha” by Hofmann and other students while she attended the Hans Hofmann School of Fine Arts.