Marcel Duchamp, was born in 1887, in Normandy, France. He became a painter, sculptor, writer and chess player who is now recognized as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. He was one of seven children who were brought up in a creative and intellectual household. Four of the seven became successful artists. At school he won prizes for Mathematics but his great love and skill was art.
Duchamp’s early career was characterized by a rapid exploration of various contemporary art movements, including Post-Impressionism, Fauvism, and Cubism. However, he quickly moved beyond these styles, seeking to redefine art itself. He rejected conventional painting as “retinal,” intended only to please the eye. Instead, he wanted to use art to serve the mind. His painting “Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2” (1912) caused a sensation and marked his break with conventional approaches. This work, which combined elements of Cubism and Futurism, exemplified his innovative approach and challenged traditional figure painting.
One of Duchamp’s most significant contributions was the development of the “readymade,” where ordinary objects were elevated to the status of art simply by being chosen by the artist. His most famous readymade, “Fountain” (1917), was a porcelain urinal signed “R. Mutt.” This piece was submitted to the Society of Independent Artists exhibition in New York. The company’s board of directors rejected it on the grounds that it was not art. Duchamp, who was a member of the board of directors, resigned in protest. A storm of debate and controversy ensued. Duchamp won the argument and huge publicity. In 2004, the urinal was voted the most influential work of art of the 20th century. He firmly established the principle that it is the intention and choice of the artist that make a work of art.
Duchamp’s conceptual approach to art was not limited to readymades. He also created a female alter ego named “Rrose Sélavy,” which he used to sign several works of art and engage in various artistic exploits. This alter ego allowed him to further challenge conventions and explore the fluidity of identity in art. The name is a pun. It sounds like the French phrase Eros, c’est la vie, which may be translated as “Eros, such is life.”
Duchamp’s influence extended beyond his own work. He was a key figure in the Dada and Surrealist movements, although he refused to be affiliated with any specific artistic movement. His insistence that art should be driven by ideas above all else led to his recognition as the father of Conceptual art. His radical critique of art institutions made him a cult figure for generations of artists who, like him, refused to follow a conventional, commercial artistic career.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Duchamp was a keen chess player and appeared in the film “Entr’acte,” playing chess with Man Ray. He played for France in the Chess Olympiad of 1928. He studied and perfected the game throughout his life, reflecting his lifelong commitment to intellectual pursuits.
Duchamp’s impact on the art world is immeasurable. His innovative spirit and challenge to traditional art forms have left a lasting legacy. His works, such as “The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even” and “L.H.O.O.Q,” continue to provoke thought and inspire artistic experimentation. Duchamp’s philosophy of art, which emphasized the importance of ideas over aesthetics, has influenced countless artists and movements, including minimalism and performance art.
Marcel Duchamp died in 1968. His life and work continue to be celebrated for their profound influence on the development of modern and contemporary art. Duchamp’s legacy is a testament to his unyielding commitment to challenging conventions and pushing the boundaries of what art can be.
Lessons for Innovators
Challenge traditional notions. Duchamp defied conventional aesthetics, perceptions and the role of the artist. He embodied conceptual thinking, questioning of authority, and advocacy for artistic freedom and autonomy.
Marcel Duchamp’s relentless pursuit of artistic innovation and his challenge to established norms is an inspiration to artists and innovators everywhere.
Think Like an Innovator by Paul Sloane is published by Pearson
