DigeeBooks

An engaging and accessible introduction to one of the 20th centurys greatest and most enigmatic artists This richly illustrated publication explores the full career of the hugely influential and endlessly fascinating French-American artist Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968). A pioneer whose creative output was predicated on a fundamental questioning of what art is, Duchamp is well known despite remaining mysterious as an artist, owing to his elusive persona and the unconventional nature of his work.    Focusing on the world-renowned Duchamp collection at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, The Essential Duchamp tells the artists story through four key periods. The book begins with his early paintings and engagement with the avant-garde, then charts his abandonment of painting and invention of the readymade. This is followed by the creation of his alter ego Rrose Sélavy and the optical experiments of the interwar years, and, finally, by the making of Étant donnés (1946–66), the project that occupied the artist in the final two decades of his life. Shorter accompanying texts include explanations of key terms Duchamp used for his innovative ideas—readymade, precision optics, pictorial nominalism, and infrathin—as well as interviews and statements by the artist about his own art and ideas.Published in association with the Philadelphia Museum of ArtExhibition Schedule:Tokyo National Museum (10/02/18–12/09/18)National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (12/22/18–04/07/19)Art Gallery New South Wales, Sydney (April–August 2019)

Embark on an Enlightening Journey into the World of Marcel Duchamp with "The Essential Duchamp" by Matthew Affron.

In the realm of art history, few figures loom as large and enigmatic as Marcel Duchamp. His groundbreaking contributions to the art world continue to ignite debates and challenge conventional notions of what constitutes art.

"The Essential Duchamp" by Matthew Affron serves as an illuminating guide to understanding the life, work, and profound influence of this artistic maverick. Through lucid prose and insightful analysis, Affron delves into Duchamp's revolutionary ideas, artistic practices, and the lasting impact he has had on the trajectory of modern art.

This comprehensive volume offers a chronological exploration of Duchamp's artistic journey, tracing his evolution from a traditional painter to a conceptual artist who defied categorization. Affron deftly examines Duchamp's pivotal works, including his iconic "Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2" and the infamous "Fountain," providing readers with a deeper appreciation for their significance and the controversies they ignited.

Beyond his artistic creations, "The Essential Duchamp" also delves into the artist's writings, his involvement in the Dada and Surrealist movements, and his enduring legacy as a pioneer of conceptual art. Affron skillfully dissects Duchamp's complex theories and artistic strategies, illuminating their profound implications for the understanding and creation of art.

With its engaging narrative and rigorous scholarship, "The Essential Duchamp" is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to unravel the enigmatic genius of Marcel Duchamp. Whether you are an art enthusiast, a student of art history, or simply curious about the transformative power of art, this book promises an enlightening and thought-provoking journey into the mind of a true artistic visionary.