Pissing on Art

When most individuals hear the word art, they envision grandiose statues, vibrant paintings, pieces of human creation that reflect the depth of our minds and hearts. Those unfamiliar with Marcel Duchamp would not hear the word art and think of a simple white urinal signed with a pseudonym. Duchamp’s “Fountain,” one of this centuries most influential art pieces, and a centerpiece of the Dada movement, is nothing more than a urinal signed R. Mutt 1917. Upon first viewing this art piece, I questioned whether Duchamp’s fountain is truly art, or just a mockery of art itself. After all, Dada is known as an anti-art movement in which prior definitions of art have been rejected. I pondered whether Duchamp created the piece to symbolically “piss” on traditional standards of art in his time by displaying his “fountain” next to some of history’s most cherished art works. Upon closer inspection of the piece, I realized Duchamp’s urinal is art at its finest. Great art works are great because they force viewers to contemplate their meaning, to stay up at night wondering the reason behind each detail of the work. Duchamp’s fountain certainly accomplishes this task, as can be seen in the attempts of numerous critics to decipher its meaning. Art not only stirs the viewer’s mind, but also contains a degree of originality. Duchamp compelled viewers to see an everyday object in an entirely new light. Duchamp may have created his piece to deride classical art and cause controversy, or to open people’s minds to the beauty within everyday objects. Regardless of its purpose, and despite its unconventionality, Duchamp’s fountain is a true piece of art. 




-Tina