Marcel Duchamp, Fountain, 1917(pictured is 1967 replica), Tate Modern, London.
(Source)
(Source)
In 1917, Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968) redefined Art when he submitted Fountain to an exhibition in New York. Submitted anonymously to the Society of Independent Artists, the board (some of whom were aware Duchamp was behind it), it was rejected by the Salon because Fountain is a urinal, turned 90 degrees, and signed by the *artist* R Mutt. In defending why Fountain should have been included, Duchamp said what was important was not the creation and ensuing visual representation - hey, it's a urinal! - but the true Art is instead the idea and selection fuelling the piece.
By drawing attentions to the goals, strategies, and purpose of art, Duchamp makes the viewer think more than just "Is this pretty? Do I like it?" This subsequently changed the focus of Art and artists, the echoes of which are still being felt - particuarly in Singapore (hi Flaneur!). Of course, by advocating the *concept* of Art and the questioning of Art norms, attitudes and behaviours, I could argue that Duchamp is responsible for all the crap that people produce and call *Art*. Matthew Barney, I'm looking at you.
By drawing attentions to the goals, strategies, and purpose of art, Duchamp makes the viewer think more than just "Is this pretty? Do I like it?" This subsequently changed the focus of Art and artists, the echoes of which are still being felt - particuarly in Singapore (hi Flaneur!). Of course, by advocating the *concept* of Art and the questioning of Art norms, attitudes and behaviours, I could argue that Duchamp is responsible for all the crap that people produce and call *Art*. Matthew Barney, I'm looking at you.
6 comments:
Haha, yeah - not just in Singapore of course! I would say, the influence of Duchamp is INTERNATIONAL. This idea of 'Readymades' as 'Art' has held currency since his provocative submission - throwing abroad all established notions of art in the art world, and triggering this - 'Art-can-be-ANYTHING' movement. Yes for the record, I hate Barney too :p
Yes I know it's international - I just wanted to give you a shout out :P
Thanks! That's right - Singapore has 'art' too! :p
Does it? Or does it just copy art that was done elsewhere 60 years earlier? :P
oooooah. u see, the word is not 'copy' but 'influence' *wink*
They were *inspired* by the spirit of Duchamp's oeuvre? ;)
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