Week 8 Duchamp

In the lecture it was discussed how the “readymades” by Duchamp were considered not art by critics throughout his lifetime and that he had to defend the works by explaining their conceptual significance. I found it very interesting the argument made that by taking the items and removing them from their natural environment or use he was creating art that required you to look at it in a different light. Does it really change just because you put it on the display table in a gallery or does it change because you cause it to no longer be useful?

Take for instance the “Fountain” (pg. 1038 Stokstad). It is the removal from the natural environment for this particular item that makes it so ridiculous and the uproar that it caused that makes it down right funny. Yes, this item could be put into the proper environment and it would no longer be a piece of art. It can be broken and easily replaced. In a sense it can died and be reborn. After all, the artist would be able to pick up another sign it and hand it over for a reasonable price it is essentially mass produced. And it is this mass production with little or no significant changes that brings its status as art into question.

He makes the argument that it is not about who made the item itself it is about how the artist deals with the item. It is the thought put into the piece, the time taken to choose a particular one, and how the artist treats the piece respectfully. It is this argument that seems to hold the most sway.  By giving the artist the right to exhibit the item that new thought placement and conceptualizing the idea of using it for something it was not intended he gave the viewer a new way to look at the world.

This piece has a sick form of humor and is surreal in such a way as to make us take a closer look at a part of life we would rather not deal with. We find it socially unacceptable to discuss our bodily functions. This piece was rejected just based on this reasoning alone and it opened up the discussion what is art, who decides what is art, and who is allowed to call themselves an artist. By exploring these questions something that we are doing even today we are becoming more and more educated about how much further art can go and in what directions can it be taken.  

In taking the risk of using readymade objects and forcing the art community to take a closer look at the world around them and why they make art. Duchamp opened our eyes to the concept of art being more than just about the work but about the idea that brought it into being. As funny as that may sound we are still looking and wondering if this is really art or if Duchamp was pulling one over on us. In my personal opinion I think that it is the artist that decides if a work is art. Also when it comes to readymade or found objects I think that the artist should be careful to consider the concept for the item as well as the idea they have in mind. It could come to pass that you will be fortunate and have your thoughts link up with the ideas of what makes us human and how do we live our lives or you could end up with people arguing over your work if it is conceptually art or not.