Fountain

Definition

In the art world, 'fountain' refers to a groundbreaking work created by Marcel Duchamp in 1917, which consisted of a standard urinal turned upside down and signed 'R. Mutt'. This piece is a crucial landmark in the development of Modernism, as it challenged traditional notions of art and aesthetics by elevating everyday objects to the status of art, thus laying the groundwork for future movements that prioritize concepts over craftsmanship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain' was initially rejected from an exhibition in New York, highlighting the controversy surrounding its legitimacy as art.
2. The piece sparked discussions on the definition of art and the role of the artist in selecting and presenting objects.
3. By using a mass-produced item, Duchamp questioned the value of uniqueness in art, which was a significant shift in artistic practice.
4. 'Fountain' is often credited with influencing later movements such as Dada, Surrealism, and Conceptual Art, as it encouraged artists to think outside traditional frameworks.
5. The original urinal has been lost, but replicas and photographs of 'Fountain' remain pivotal in art history discussions.

Review Questions

• How did Duchamp's 'Fountain' redefine the role of the artist in relation to everyday objects?
  • 'Fountain' redefined the role of the artist by suggesting that art does not necessarily need to be created from scratch or involve traditional craftsmanship. Instead, Duchamp argued that selecting and presenting an ordinary object as art could be an artistic act in itself. This shifted the focus from physical creation to conceptual engagement, allowing artists to explore new ideas and meanings behind everyday items.
• Discuss how 'Fountain' embodies the principles of Dada and its impact on subsequent art movements.
  • 'Fountain' embodies Dada principles by challenging established norms and embracing absurdity and anti-art sentiments. By presenting a mundane urinal as art, Duchamp disrupted traditional aesthetics and encouraged viewers to reconsider what could be classified as art. This influential act inspired subsequent movements like Surrealism and Conceptual Art, which further explored these ideas about meaning, context, and viewer interpretation.
• Evaluate the lasting significance of Duchamp's 'Fountain' in contemporary art practices and cultural discourse.
  • 'Fountain' holds lasting significance in contemporary art practices by serving as a foundational example of how artists can challenge conventions and provoke thought about the nature of art. Its legacy is evident in how modern artists continue to incorporate found objects and concepts into their work. Moreover, 'Fountain' ignited ongoing debates about artistic intent, authenticity, and value, making it a critical reference point in cultural discourse regarding what constitutes art today.

Related terms

Readymade: A term coined by Duchamp to describe ordinary manufactured objects that are designated as art simply by the artist's choice.

Dada: An avant-garde movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of conventional aesthetics and an embrace of chaos and irrationality.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished product or traditional aesthetic values.