Participants learn about the influence of Marcel Duchamp’s ideas on the work of contemporary artists. This activity could be used in the Walker Art Center galleries, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, or in the classroom with a selection of images from Art Collector. The artworks included in the activity are suggestions only and instructors may choose different artworks to accompany the discussion questions. This activity comes from the Popular Culture/Visual Culture section of the Tour Guide Tool Kit.

Popular Culture/Visual Culture Activity Title: The Legacy of Duchamp Theme: Sources and Resources Age: Grades 9–Adult Overview: Participants learn about the influence of Marcel Duchamp’s ideas on the work of contemporary artists. This activity could be used in the Walker Art Center galleries, Minneapolis Sculpture Garden, or in the classroom with a selection of images from Art Collector. The artworks included in the activity are suggestions only and instructors may choose different artworks to accompany the discussion questions. Procedure: Setting the Scene Provide participants with a brief description of Marcel Duchamp and some of his main ideas. What was it about Duchamp’s work that so influences and still gains the respect of many contemporary artists? Begin Looking Using the following statements as an introduction, the tour will look at works that have been influenced by Duchamp. Joseph Beuys said: “Duchamp the artist was a good starting point.” Robert Rauschenberg said: “I find [Marcel Duchamp’s] life and work a constant inspiration…. His Bicycle Wheel has always struck me as one of the most beautiful pieces of sculpture I’ve ever seen.” On the tour, show works by contemporary artists who directly refer to Duchamp in their work or whose work is influenced by Duchamp. When discussing each artwork, explain how it connects to Duchamp’s work and ideas. Address how Duchamp’s idea about the “readymade” has influenced artists of today. Ask What aspects of Duchamp’s work or ideas did each artist incorporate into his or her own work? Why do you think so many artists look to Duchamp as an influence? Do you think Duchamp’s ideas are still relevant and original today? Why or why not?     Conclusion Although Marcel Duchamp was active as an artist almost 100 years ago, his influence can still be seen in work by present-day artists. Among Duchamp’s ideas that we discussed, or works of art we looked at, which do you think is the most radical? Why? Of the artworks that we viewed, which one do you think seems to have been most closely influenced by Duchamp? Since we began this tour, has your opinion about either the work and ideas of Marcel Duchamp or the work of contemporary artists changed at all? How? Do you think Duchamp’s readymades should be considered art?  Why or why not? Props: Laminated photos of the following artworks by Marcel Duchamp: •    The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even 1915–1923 •    Bicycle Wheel 1913 •    Bottle Rack 1914 •    Fountain 1917 Tips: This tour would work well with the following works of art: Robert Rauschenberg Trophy II (for Teeny and Marcel Duchamp) 1960 Nam June Paik TV Cello 1971 Sherrie Levine Fountain (after Marcel Duchamp: A.P.) 1991 Joseph Beuys Schlitten (Sled) 1969 Marcel Duchamp Boîte-en-Valise 1941/1966 Fluxus Cabinet Daniel Spoerri 31 Variations on a Meal: Eaten by Bruce Conner 1964 Works by Claes Oldenburg Works by Andy Warhol Works by Jasper Johns