The Legacy of Dada

This quote ties in with the ideals of the Dada art movement, of which Duchamp was a prime participant. Their philosophy was one of anti-art; an attack on bourgeois and traditional art ideals, and also anti-war. (In response to World War I.)

"I don't believe in art. I believe in artists."

-Marcel Duchamp (1887 - 1968)

Laying waste to the idea of what art is and can be is a legacy that is directly linked to modern art as a whole. In some senses, Dada empowered the artist and not the art, freeing oneself to make their art a political and philosophical statement or anything; instead of only a representation of life in traditional means. A revolution in thinking that modern culture still has not fully grasped Dada was truly an exciting movement of any time, let alone the early 20th century.

Art is Non-Objective in Nature

I find this quote interesting because it helps me understand a passage from French philosopher Henri Bergson that I have posted here: Henri Bergson quote. Art, especially abstract art is a completely subjective experience.

"Art has absolutely no existence as veracity, as truth."

-Marcel Duchamp

Concrete truth only pertains to it in the sense that it is hopefully, an honest expression from the artist. And regardless of the objectivity or subjectivity of the art, it has the power to invoke powerful responses, or awaken new trains of thought. Artists are like the light on a spelunker's hat, lighting the way into the unknown darkness.