Fountain, 1917, Duchamp

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Describe the composition of Fountain
Curved and symmetrical – plays with Classical conventions in a radical way. Duchamp challenges existing definitions of art (anti-art).
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Describe the use of colour or texture of Fountain
Smooth, white – references purity and idealism from classical/academic art but portrays it with a violent message.
The white colouring makes the black text stand out against it, guiding viewers to read it and understand the work further.
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Describe the use of space and depth or relief of Fountain
The work is small and is displayed on a short plinth, meaning viewers look down into it.
It stands on its own, with no pipe connections etc, implying that it has its own individual importance, rather than linking to anything else.
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What was the Influence from cultural/social factors on Fountain?
Duchamp’s intention was to shock the public and critic by going against conventions of art at the time.
R. Mutt’ was an unknown artist – Duchamp could observe society’s openness to art that did not conform to conventional standards without compromising th
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What was the Influence from political factors on Fountain?
It is a declaration of war on traditional art and its value systems – links to America’s declaration of war on Germany in April 1917.
'R. Mutt' is a pun on the German word Armut meaning poverty.
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What were the Stylistic comment and artistic influence on Fountain?
This piece triggered a new perspective on art, straying away from paintings and carved sculpture, instead removing everyday objects, and giving them ironic or symbolic meaning (e.g., Andy Warhol).
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What were the new uses or developments of materials, techniques & processes on Fountain?
He purchased a urinal from a sanitary ware supplier.
It was presented on its back for exhibition purposes rather than upright and was signed and dated ‘R. Mutt 1917’.
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What did John Passmore say about the Fountain?
"a piece of mischief at the expense of the art world"
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Other cards in this set

Card 2

Front

Describe the use of colour or texture of Fountain

Back

Smooth, white – references purity and idealism from classical/academic art but portrays it with a violent message.
The white colouring makes the black text stand out against it, guiding viewers to read it and understand the work further.

Card 3

Front

Describe the use of space and depth or relief of Fountain

Back

Preview of the front of card 3

Card 4

Front

What was the Influence from cultural/social factors on Fountain?

Back

Preview of the front of card 4

Card 5

Front

What was the Influence from political factors on Fountain?

Back

Preview of the front of card 5
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