key term - L.H.O.O.Q

Definition

L.H.O.O.Q is a conceptual artwork by Marcel Duchamp, which features a reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa' with a mustache and goatee drawn on it. The term itself is a play on words, as when pronounced in French, it sounds like 'Elle a chaud au cul,' which translates to 'She has a hot ass.' This work challenges traditional notions of art, originality, and authorship, making it a crucial example of appropriation rather than plagiarism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q was created in 1919 and is considered a landmark in the development of conceptual art.
2. The work's humorous approach highlights the absurdity of art's value based on originality and challenges societal expectations surrounding the Mona Lisa.
3. L.H.O.O.Q emphasizes the idea that art can be created through the act of modification, suggesting that new meanings can arise from existing works.
4. This piece exemplifies how appropriation can be a form of critique, as Duchamp used an iconic masterpiece to comment on gender roles and the nature of art.
5. Duchamp's work has had a lasting influence on contemporary art, inspiring discussions around authorship, authenticity, and the role of the artist.

Review Questions

• How does L.H.O.O.Q serve as an example of appropriation in art?
  • L.H.O.O.Q exemplifies appropriation by taking Leonardo da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa,' a widely recognized masterpiece, and altering it with a mustache and goatee. This transformation invites viewers to question what constitutes originality in art. By recontextualizing an established work, Duchamp comments on societal norms and artistic value, illustrating how appropriated images can convey new meanings.
• Discuss the implications of Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q on the perception of artistic authenticity.
  • Duchamp's L.H.O.O.Q challenges traditional views of artistic authenticity by suggesting that value does not solely lie in original creation. Instead, he argues that modifying existing works can create significant cultural commentary. This shift prompts audiences to reconsider their understanding of what makes art meaningful, as Duchamp blurs the lines between original and appropriated works, emphasizing the idea that all art is interconnected.
• Evaluate the impact of L.H.O.O.Q on modern discussions about authorship and ownership in art.
  • L.H.O.O.Q has significantly influenced modern discussions surrounding authorship and ownership by raising questions about who holds the rights to an artwork’s meaning. Duchamp’s appropriation encourages artists to explore existing works rather than solely produce originals, thus reshaping creative processes. This shift has led to ongoing debates about intellectual property in contemporary art, where the boundaries of influence and inspiration continue to evolve.

Related terms

Appropriation:

The practice of taking existing artistic works or styles and recontextualizing them to create new meaning or commentary.

Plagiarism:

The act of copying someone else's work or ideas and presenting them as one's own without proper attribution.

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its rejection of traditional aesthetics and its embrace of absurdity and spontaneity.