Fountain, 1917

Definition

Fountain, created in 1917 by Marcel Duchamp, is a readymade sculpture that features a standard urinal turned upside down and signed with the pseudonym 'R. Mutt.' This piece is pivotal in the history of art as it challenges traditional definitions of art and questions the role of the artist, making it a cornerstone of both Dadaism and conceptual art movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fountain was initially rejected by the Society of Independent Artists in New York, despite their claim of accepting all artworks submitted.
2. Duchamp's choice of a urinal as art challenged conventional aesthetics and notions of what could be considered an art object.
3. The work sparked debates about authorship and originality in art, leading to new discussions on the value and meaning of artistic creation.
4. Fountain is considered one of the first pieces to exemplify the principles of Dadaism, as it embraced randomness and anti-establishment ideals.
5. Today, Fountain is viewed as a seminal work in contemporary art history, often cited as one of the most influential artworks of the 20th century.

Review Questions

• How did Duchamp's Fountain redefine traditional views on art and artists?
  • Duchamp's Fountain redefined traditional views on art by challenging the very definition of what constitutes art. By presenting a commonplace object—a urinal—as an artwork, he shifted focus from craftsmanship and aesthetics to the concept and intention behind the piece. This radical idea questioned the role of the artist and opened up new possibilities for artistic expression, making viewers consider art in a broader context.
• Discuss the impact of Fountain on the Dada movement and its legacy in contemporary art.
  • Fountain had a significant impact on the Dada movement as it embodied Dada's rejection of logic and reason. The piece represented a defiance against conventional artistic practices and established a new framework for what could be accepted as art. Its legacy continues to influence contemporary artists who explore themes of identity, consumerism, and the nature of art itself, reinforcing the notion that ideas can be more important than form.
• Evaluate how Fountain has influenced the development of conceptual art since its creation.
  • Fountain has profoundly influenced the development of conceptual art by establishing that the idea behind a work can be more significant than its physical manifestation. This shift allowed artists to prioritize concepts over traditional artistic skills, paving the way for diverse expressions in contemporary art. As a result, many artists have adopted Duchamp's approach, using everyday objects to provoke thought and discussion about art's purpose, thereby reshaping the landscape of modern artistic practice.

Related terms

Readymade: An ordinary manufactured object that is designated as art simply by the artist's choice and context, a concept popularized by Duchamp.

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the horrors of World War I, embracing absurdity and anti-art sentiments.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the concept or idea behind the work takes precedence over traditional aesthetic and material concerns.