The object [Duchamp's Fountain] was rejected , giving…
![“The object [Duchamp's Fountain] was rejected , giving Duchamp the opportunity of issuing a statement, which he published in a review, The Blind Man. In his statement he emphasized that the act of choice was sufficient to justify it as a creative art. Placing it in such a way that its normal use…” quote by Neville Weston](https://sms4smile.com/q/i/5d5/neville-weston-48349_art-history_the-object-duchamp-s-fountain-was-reject_104800.jpg)
““The object [Duchamp's Fountain] was rejected , giving Duchamp the opportunity of issuing a statement, which he published in a review, The Blind Man. In his statement he emphasized that the act of choice was sufficient to justify it as a creative art. Placing it in such a way that its normal use was disguised caused a new reality for the object to be invented. To the criticism that it was rude he replied, logically enough,"How could this object be acceptable when displayed in a plumber's shop window and yet be immoral anywhere else?””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Duchamp argued that artistic value lies in the artist’s decision to present an object as art, not in its functional purpose, thereby creating a new conceptual reality.
In simple terms: Choice, not function, defines art.
Key Takeaway
Art is defined by intention.
Themes
art theory
conceptual art
aesthetic philosophy
creative agency
Mood
provocative
intellectual
Type
philosophical
artistic manifesto
When to use this quote
- gallery curations
- design critiques
- product rebranding
Key Concepts
redefinition of objecthood
institutional critique
Practical Applications
- challenge conventions in creative projects
- use context to shift perception
Questions to Reflect On
- What determines whether something is art?
- Can any object become art through designation?
A Different Perspective
The argument may overlook the role of craftsmanship and skill in traditional art forms.