Marcel Duchamp

Критические биографии #4

by Caroline Cros, Vivian Rehberg (Translator)

A revealing account of an artist whose enduring obsession with chance and coincidence shaped both his life and work, Marcel Duchamp illuminates one of the most important and influential figures in all of modern art. 

Drawing on the artist’s own correspondence as well as interviews, Paris-based curator and art critic Caroline Cros explores the creative processes behind Duchamp’s works—including his famous anti-sculptures, the "Readymades"; the enigmatic Grand Verre; and the seductive, disturbing Etant Donnés —as well as the often hostile reception he encountered in Paris and around the world. 

Cros also examines Duchamp’s work after he abandoned his art at the age of thirty-six. Notoriously, Duchamp claimed that he would dedicate the remainder of his life to chess, but here we learn of his ongoing contributions to the art world, including his intense involvement in museums, foundations, and surrealist publications. 

With two major Dada exhibitions planned for 2006, at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., and the Museum of Modern Art in New York, Marcel Duchamp will be this year’s ultimate guide to the master of the movment.

Genres: Art, Biography, France, Biography Memoir

200 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2006

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the Reaktion Books Critical Lives series is a must for everyone's library and backpack. They're small and not a word is wasted. Like the others, the Duchamp bio is a good introduction to the man and his art. Well-written and well thought out. Not big on the illustrations, but that's not the purpose of the book.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

i have a crush on Duchamp, ladies and gentlemen

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear facts from the biography of the great artist written like a movie script that makes it easy to read but exciting and rich at the same time. This book brought me a bit closer to understanding the modern art.

[Rachel]

reading now

[Onsetsu Evan Cordes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable quick read on Duchamp from a number of angles.

Not a chronological bio, but instead focusing on various facets of his work and life.

[Eddie Watkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing and illuminating at times, but thin and so not very satisfying; still it's sure nice to visit with Marcel for a spell.

[Masha M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Можно и поинтереснее было написать.