L.h.o.o.q.

Definition

l.h.o.o.q. is a term coined by Marcel Duchamp, derived from the French phrase 'Elle a chaud au cul,' which translates to 'She has a hot ass.' This term was first introduced in Duchamp's work 'L.H.O.O.Q.,' a 1919 modification of a reproduction of the Mona Lisa. The phrase plays with the idea of readymades and challenges traditional notions of art and meaning.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Duchamp's l.h.o.o.q. is both a playful and provocative statement that subverts the traditional reverence for iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa.
2. The work not only includes the provocative phrase but also features a mustache drawn on the image of the Mona Lisa, further emphasizing its irreverent nature.
3. By incorporating humor and wordplay, Duchamp blurred the lines between high art and popular culture, paving the way for later conceptual artists.
4. l.h.o.o.q. is often cited as an example of how language and visual art can intersect, demonstrating the power of context in interpreting meaning.
5. This piece is significant in discussions about authorship and originality, as it raises questions about the role of the artist in contemporary art.

Review Questions

• How does l.h.o.o.q. reflect Marcel Duchamp's approach to art and its traditional definitions?
  • l.h.o.o.q. reflects Duchamp's approach by directly challenging traditional definitions of art through humor and irreverence. By modifying a famous artwork like the Mona Lisa and adding a playful phrase, he questions what qualifies as art. This subversion illustrates Duchamp's belief that context and interpretation are crucial elements in understanding art, moving beyond mere aesthetic appreciation.
• Discuss the role of wordplay in l.h.o.o.q. and how it connects to Duchamp's broader artistic practices.
  • The wordplay in l.h.o.o.q. serves to engage viewers on multiple levels, combining visual imagery with linguistic subversion. This connection to language highlights Duchamp's broader artistic practice that often utilized puns and witty titles to create layers of meaning in his works. By integrating text with visuals, he emphasizes that meaning is not solely found within traditional artistic forms but can also be derived from linguistic associations.
• Evaluate the impact of l.h.o.o.q. on subsequent art movements and how it redefined notions of authorship and originality.
  • l.h.o.o.q. had a profound impact on subsequent art movements such as Dadaism and Surrealism by establishing a framework for questioning authorship and originality in art. Duchamp's playfulness encouraged later artists to explore similar themes, often using readymades or found objects to challenge conventions. The idea that an artist could alter an existing work to create something new revolutionized artistic practices, leading to ongoing debates about what constitutes an original piece of art in contemporary society.

Related terms

Readymade: A type of artwork created by taking an ordinary object and designating it as art, often challenging the conventional definitions of what constitutes art.

Dada: An art movement that emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction to World War I, characterized by absurdity, anti-art sentiment, and a desire to break away from traditional artistic norms.

Surrealism: An avant-garde movement that sought to challenge the boundaries of reality through the exploration of dreams, the unconscious mind, and irrationality in art.