David Greenhalgh on Marcel Duchamp

'The word readymade did not appear until 1915, when I went to the United States. It was an interesting word, but when I put a bicycle wheel on a stool, the fork down, there was no idea of a “readymade” or anything else. It was just a distraction. I didn't have any special reason to do it, or any intention of showing it, or describing anything'. – Marcel Duchamp quoted in Pierre Cabanne, Dialogues with Marcel Duchamp, London: Thames and Hudson, 1971, p.47.

David Greenhalgh (Associate Curator, International Art) provides a talk focused on the practice of French artist, Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968). A significant figure in Cubism, Dada, and conceptual art, Duchamp’s work continues to influence artists today. This talk focuses on Duchamp’s Bicycle wheel (1913 reconstructed 1964), the first example of what the artist called a ‘readymade’.

Art Talks are a free weekly program. Hear from artists, curators and experts on the works in our collection and exhibition program.