Journey into the innovative mind of Marcel Duchamp, a pioneer who challenged the boundaries of art and creativity. Calvin Tomkins explores the life and works of this enigmatic artist, revealing how Duchamp's audacious ideas reshaped the art world. Discover the man behind 'Fountain' and learn how his playful provocations continue to influence contemporary culture. With captivating anecdotes and insights, readers will find themselves questioning the very nature of art. This biography promises to ignite curiosity and inspire a deeper appreciation for the avant-garde.
By Calvin Tomkins, Marcel Duchamp
Published: 2013
"I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste."
In 1964, Calvin Tomkins spent a number of afternoons interviewing Marcel Duchamp in his apartment in New York City. It reveals him to be a man and an artist whose playful principles toward living freed him to make art that was as unpredictable, complex, and surprising as life itself
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“I have forced myself to contradict myself in order to avoid conforming to my own taste.”
Marcel Duchamp
By Calvin Tomkins, Marcel Duchamp
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Calvin Tomkins is an esteemed American author and art critic, best known for his insightful writings on contemporary art and culture. He has contributed to The New Yorker since 1960, where his essays and profiles have shaped the discourse around various artists and movements. Tomkins is the author of notable works such as 'Merce Cunningham: Dancing in Space', a biography of the iconic choreographer, and 'Lives of the Artists', a collection of essays highlighting influential artists from the 20th century. His writing style is characterized by its clarity, depth of research, and an ability to convey complex ideas with elegance and accessibility.
Marcel Duchamp was a French-American artist born on July 28, 1887, and is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in modern art. Primarily known for his contributions to the Dada movement and conceptual art, Duchamp challenged the traditional boundaries of art with works such as 'Fountain' (1917), a standard urinal presented as art, and 'The Large Glass' (1915-1923), which combined painting and sculpture. His writing style often mirrored his art, employing wit, irony, and a playful tone, inviting viewers to question the very nature of art itself. Duchamp's innovative ideas about the role of the artist and the art object continue to resonate, making him a pivotal figure in postmodern art discourse. He passed away on October 2, 1968.
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