Daddy Duchamp
Marcel Duchamp was a french artist of the late 19th century who, to put it bluntly, broke the boundary between art and the commonplace object. Apart from being a painter, he was a chess player, sculptor, and writer. Unlike conventional art that aimed to please the eye. Duchamp wanted to create art that would serve the mind.
Nude Descending a Staircase was the work that put Duchamp into the spotlight. At the time this painting shocked the american public as it was not the naturalistic paintings they were used to.
Fountain is a readymade, or found object, piece of Duchamp’s. Readymades were designed to challenge the very notion of what could be considered art. As a result, Duchamp had a profound impact on the Dadaist movement.
Fresh Widow is a miniature window that represents the mourning of the “fresh widows” after World War I through its blacked out panes. The piece is signed by Rose Selavy, which is Duchamp’s feminine alter-ego.
L.H.O.O.Q. is a postcard reproduction of the Mona Lisa where Duchamp added a goatee and mustache. The title means “She has a hot ass.” Duchamp was concerned with gender role reversals, and he can be seen dressed as his female alter-ego in portraits by Man Ray.
After the art world had thought that Duchamp had given up on art, he unveiled his final piece. He had worked on it secretly and it can only be seen through a peephole in a wooden door. The female subject is based on his lover at the time, Brazilian sculptor Maria Martins.
Personally, I am not the biggest fan of Duchamp’s creations. But his constant challenge on what could be considered art is something I think about quite a bit.
Honorable Mentions
Zdzisław Beksiński
Max Ernst
