Fountain

Definition

In the context of Dada, a fountain refers to an unconventional artistic object that challenges traditional notions of art. The most famous example is Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain,' a readymade sculpture that consists of a standard urinal turned upside down and signed with a pseudonym. This piece embodies the Dada movement's rebellion against established art forms and its emphasis on anti-art principles, encouraging viewers to question what constitutes art itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Fountain' was submitted to an exhibition in 1917 and was rejected, highlighting the tensions between the art world and the Dada movement's radical ideas.
2. Duchamp's choice of a urinal as art sparked debates about taste, aesthetics, and the role of the artist in defining what art is.
3. 'Fountain' is considered a landmark piece in the development of conceptual art, shifting focus from physical craftsmanship to ideas and concepts.
4. The use of a manufactured object in 'Fountain' reflects Dada's critique of industrialization and mass production, questioning originality in art.
5. 'Fountain' has been interpreted as a commentary on gender, sexuality, and the commodification of art, making it a multifaceted symbol within the Dada movement.

Review Questions

• How did Duchamp's 'Fountain' challenge traditional artistic conventions, and what impact did it have on future art movements?
  • 'Fountain' challenged traditional conventions by presenting a mundane object as art, prompting audiences to reconsider their definitions of creativity and artistry. Its rejection from an exhibition highlighted the friction between Dadaist ideas and established norms. This shift laid the groundwork for later movements such as conceptual art and pop art, where the idea behind a work became as significant as its physical form.
• Discuss the significance of readymades like 'Fountain' within the Dada movement and their role in redefining artistic value.
  • Readymades like 'Fountain' played a crucial role in the Dada movement by disrupting conventional notions of artistic value based on skill or aesthetic beauty. By choosing an ordinary object, Duchamp emphasized that context and intention could elevate it to artistic status. This redefinition urged audiences to challenge preconceived ideas about creativity, originality, and what it means to be an artist.
• Evaluate the broader cultural implications of Duchamp's 'Fountain' in relation to societal views on art, gender, and modernity during its time.
  • 'Fountain' not only questioned established norms within the art world but also reflected broader cultural shifts in society regarding gender roles and modernity. By presenting a urinal as art, Duchamp provoked discussions about masculinity and sexuality while also critiquing the commercialization of art. This work encapsulated the chaotic spirit of modernity after World War I, revealing underlying tensions in societal values that continued to resonate throughout 20th-century art and culture.

Related terms

Readymade: An everyday object that is transformed into art simply by the artist's selection and presentation, often challenging traditional artistic processes.

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its mockery of materialism and convention, embracing chaos and absurdity.

Marcel Duchamp: A French-American artist known for his role in the Dada movement and for creating controversial works like 'Fountain,' which challenged the very definition of art.