Marcel Duchamp (1887-1968), a pioneer of conceptual art of the 20th century and a legendary figure of contemporary art, was active in the international art scenes, including France and the United States. Duchamp has fundamentally transformed our understanding of creation and interpretation of art. This year, marking the 50th anniversary of Duchamp's death, the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art hosts the most comprehensive exhibition dedicated to the art and life of Marcel Duchamp ever seen in Asia-Pacific region. The Essential Duchamp comprises about one hundred and fifty works from the collection of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, introducing Duchamp's major works and archival materials, as well as photographic documentation by his contemporaries, including Man Ray and Frederick Kiesler. The exhibition presents many of the most important works by Duchamp including Fountain and other "readymades," and digital reproductions of The Large Glass as well as Étant Donnés, known as Duchamp's last work. One of the ambitions of this exhibition is to deepen our understanding of contemporary art, which Duchamp pioneered and still continues to influence.
The Essential Duchamp at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art was organized by the Philadelphia Museum of Art in cooperation with the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art. Sponsorship for the exhibition at the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art was provided by Hyundai Department Store and Lee Sang Il Culture Foundation. The international tour of the exhibition has been made possible by the Terra Foundation for American Art.
Artwork Credits
Fountain: Philadelphia Museum of Art: 125th Anniversary Acquisition. Gift (by exchange) of Mrs. Herbert Cameron Morris, 1998
Duchamp as Rrose Sélavy: Philadelphia Museum of Art, Library and Archives: Gift of Jacqueline, Paul and Peter Matisse in memory of their mother Alexina Duchamp
Nude Descending a Staircase (No.2): Philadelphia Museum of Art: The Louise and Walter Arensberg Collection, 1950
Box in a Valise: Philadelphia Museum of Art: Gift of Anne d'Harnoncourt, 1994
