Fountain

Definition

In the art world, 'fountain' refers to a readymade artwork created by Marcel Duchamp in 1917, consisting of a urinal turned upside down and signed with the pseudonym 'R. Mutt'. This piece challenged traditional notions of art by proposing that the artist's intent and context could define an object as art, rather than its aesthetic qualities. Duchamp's 'fountain' not only redefined artistic value but also laid the groundwork for future movements that emphasized ideas over physical craftsmanship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'Fountain' was initially rejected from an exhibition organized by the Society of Independent Artists in New York, despite being submitted under their guidelines.
2. The piece sparked intense debates about what constitutes art, leading to a broader discussion on the role of the artist and the context of artistic creation.
3. Duchamp's choice of a urinal as an artwork aimed to provoke and challenge societal norms regarding taste and morality in art.
4. 'Fountain' has been recognized as one of the most influential works in modern art history, shaping movements such as Conceptual Art and Appropriation Art.
5. Today, the original 'fountain' is lost, but replicas exist, with one of them residing at the Tate Modern in London.

Review Questions

• How did Duchamp's 'fountain' alter perceptions of what can be considered art?
  • 'Fountain' fundamentally shifted perceptions by asserting that everyday objects could be transformed into art through the act of designation by an artist. By submitting a urinal as art, Duchamp challenged viewers to reconsider their definitions of creativity and artistic merit. This provocative stance encouraged future artists to explore conceptual ideas rather than merely focus on aesthetics.
• Discuss the impact of 'fountain' on subsequent movements like Conceptual Art and Dadaism.
  • 'Fountain' had a profound impact on movements such as Conceptual Art and Dadaism by promoting the idea that art could be based on concepts rather than traditional craftsmanship. Dada artists embraced absurdity and anti-art sentiments, paralleling Duchamp's rejection of aesthetic norms. The emphasis on idea over form in both movements paved the way for later artists to focus on questioning social norms and exploring new mediums.
• Evaluate how 'fountain' exemplifies themes of appropriation within contemporary art practices.
  • 'Fountain' exemplifies appropriation by taking an ordinary object and recontextualizing it as a work of art, thus raising questions about originality and authorship. This act of transforming a commercial item into art laid the groundwork for contemporary artists who similarly borrow from existing materials or concepts. By critiquing established boundaries between high culture and everyday life, Duchamp's work has influenced many artists who continue to explore these themes in today's art landscape.

Related terms

Readymade: An art movement initiated by Marcel Duchamp that involved taking ordinary manufactured objects and designating them as art.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished product or aesthetic value.

Dadaism: An avant-garde cultural movement that emerged during World War I, characterized by its anti-art stance and rejection of traditional artistic values.