Marcel Duchamp was a french artist who was known for cubism and conceptual art. Some of his artwork was referred to as “readymades” which included him taking an everyday or mundane item and altering it in some way.
This piece by Marcel was a popular piece that was created in 1919 called “L.H.O.O.Q” which really caught people off-guard as he took a piece of artwork belonging to another famous artist and made some changes to it. It was said that big inspiration for his work were Fauvism and french sculptor and painter, Matisse.
Fauvism
Matisse
Matisse created art that was pleasing to the eye whereas Duchamp wanted his art to “serve the mind” and his work was often compared to work by Pablo Picasso.
His early works were in a post impressionist style by experimented with many classical techniques and subjects. From 1904 to 1905, he attended Académie Julian; a private art school. During his time there, he drew and sold some cartoons which reflected his humour. They contained drawings with both verbal and visual puns.
As it was compulsory, he did some military service for the 39th infantry regiment where he learnt typography and printing processes, he later used both techniques in his work.
Duchamp’s work was exhibited in the “Royal Academy of painting and sculpture” as his eldest brother, Jacques- who had a membership during 1908.
During 1911, they formed a group including other cubist artists as well as writers and poets. The group had regular discussions but Marcel soon became uninterested as the Cubists were too serious, therefore he did not join in the discussions. However, he released a painting.
His painting, “Portrait of a chess player” was a piece with his two brothers playing chess. The two of them also being artists.
From 1915 he worked on a book called “The bride stripped bare by her bachelor” which was then released during 1923, also being given the name “The large glass“. The book was something he classed as one of his most important pieces of work.
Throughout the years, Duchamp remained important to the art world. He continued producing obscure pieces whilst also competing in chess tournaments. But sadly passed away during 1968.
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