The Oculist Witness - Photoportrait 1968

Original Poster

Expressionism - Dada - Photographic

Portrait of Marcel Duchamp behind a great "glass" by Richard Hamilton. Before the letter

Marcel Duchamp is widely recognized as one of the most influential and innovative artists of the 20th century. Born in France in 1887, Duchamp pushed the boundaries of art by exploring radical ideas and challenging established artistic conventions. His work helped shape the art movements of Dadaism and Surrealism, and he is often considered one of the precursors of conceptual art.

One of Duchamp's most famous works is the original 1968 poster entitled "The Oculist Witness - Photoportrait". This work is the result of a collaboration between Duchamp and photographer Man Ray. The poster is an intriguing representation of Duchamp himself, who is both the observer and the observed.

In this work, Duchamp explores the notion of perception and the gaze in art. He questions how we perceive and interpret images, and how our own gaze can influence our understanding of reality. By presenting a photographic self-portrait, Duchamp places himself in the role of observer, but at the same time asks us to look at him, to observe him as an object of study. In so doing, he challenges traditional notions of subjectivity and objectivity in art.

The poster itself is relatively simple. It shows Duchamp's face in close-up, with his eyes staring directly at the viewer. Details are kept to a minimum, emphasizing the intense expression of Duchamp's gaze. There's a sense of enigma in this portrait, an invitation to reflect on the nature of art and our role as viewers.

As an artist, Duchamp was known for his unconventional approach and his willingness to defy expectations. His work was often marked by a provocative attitude and a questioning of established norms. He is most famous for his iconic ready-made "Fountain", which consisted of a porcelain urinal signed "R.Mutt" and displayed as a work of art. This work sparked lively debates about the nature of art and artistic value.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Duchamp also exerted considerable influence as an art theorist. His writings and ideas influenced many artists and helped redefine the notion of art in the 20th century. He was also an active participant in the Dada movement and a founding member of the Surrealist group.

Marcel Duchamp has left a lasting legacy in the art world. His work continues to inspire and provoke.

Good condition, one slight fold