The Influence of Marcel Duchamp in 20th Century Art, Essay Example

Introduction

The Philadelphia art museum holds impressive art pieces. Gracing the exhibition of the museum are pieces by Marcel Duchamp. The pieces of the aforementioned artist captivate the imagination of the museum visitors. The exhibition, which encompasses an enigmatic assemblage of art, Etant Donnes, has pieces, which include the waterfall and the illuminating gas.  This works have been described as strange by some artists nobly jasper Johns, who referred to the art as the strangest pieces in the museum. The work, which was permanently installed into the museum, has generated unwavering interests over time and is still captivating in the modern scenario. The display of the art is in a three dimensional environmental tableau offers an immeasurable experience to those who indulge in viewing and analyzing the pieces. The work is experienced through peeping in two holes

The exhibition Etant Donnes involves the portrait of a nude woman. The woman is holding a gas lamp, which illuminates a landscape in the background of the portrait. The woman in the portrait has hidden her face and has spread her legs. This combination of features in the art makes the piece unique and enigmatic for the audience. The art, which was the last work of the Duchamp, came as a surprise since it was perceived that the artist had replaced art with chess for a quarter century.  The artist worked on the piece in from 1946 to 1966 in his studio. The components used to create the piece include the female form created from parchment, glass, linoleum, landscape made of photographed and hand painted elements, an old wooden door, twigs, velvet, bricks and an electric motor, which is in a cookie tin used to rotate a disk. All these features were essential in giving the finished feel of the art piece. It is apparent that Duchamp used an unconventional approach of art in this piece. His wife, sculptor Maria Martins was the model for the nude figure used in the art. His second wife Alexina, also contributed with the arm figure observed in the artwork. The complexity of the piece is evident in the   decision by Duchamp to write a 4-page manual, which explains the procedure on how to dissemble and assemble the work.

In order to comprehend the Etant Donnes, it is essential to explore the artist and his contribution in art. Marcel Duchamp was an artist of French origin who lived from 1887 to  1968. His works were associated mostly with the surrealist and Dadaist movements. His influence in the art world is apparent with the artist being among the influential artists in the 20th century. His art was instrumental in influencing the western art, after the First World War. His influence was not confined to artists, but percolated to art collectors, whereby he advised  collectors including  Peggy Guggenheim among other prominent art enthusiasts, consequently shaping their preferences in western art during this era. Duchamp was instrumental in challenging the conventional artistic process. This was achieved through his actions, which were subversive. The most notable contribution of the artist to contemporary art is the use of readymade items to create art. The artist saw the beauty of existing material and device a manner that facilitated its use in art. The influence of the artist is observable in the current scenario, with his work the fountain voted to be the most influential work in the 20th century, after consultations by artists and historians.

The influence of Duchamp on various post war artist is apparent. This is evident in the works of composer, John cage, Robert Rauschenberg and visual artist jasper Johns whereby the experimental spirit of Duchamp percolated to the works of these artists. The works of these artists show the influence of Duchamp’s key aspects. These aspects include the use of common materials in artwork and removal of the boundaries between life and art. Several works of these artists employ these principles depicting the influence of Duchamp. For instance, the painting, The Bride by Duchamp appears to be the focal point of the artists influence. This is evident in the work of John, Walk around Time, whereby he paid homage to Duchamp. The decor employed by John replicates the elements of Duchamp’s work the large glass. The innovative music of Cage also depicts the influence of Duchamp in the 20-century art. The artists, through Dancing of the Brides, were successful in replicating Duchamp’s feat of blurring the boundaries between reality and art.  The exhibitions of Duchamp are instrumental in identifying the influence of his works to the aforementioned artists. The comparisons of the artist’s works and that of Duchamp show the reinvention of art in the twentieth century.

Conclusion

Marcel Duchamp’s is among the influential artists in the 20th century. This is attributed to his ability to blur the line between reality and art. His influence has been instrumental in shaping art not only among artists but also among art collectors during his era. His influence on other artists is profound in the areas of painting, music and choreography. This makes Duchamp to be considered among the influential artists who reinvented art in the 20th century.