This is a painting by Marcel Duchamp entitled Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 created in 1912 in Paris, France.
This painting is an example of the Dada style and was inspired by World War I. Dadaists believed that tradition caused the war, and in response to this, these artists chose to create art that rejected tradition completely. Dada art is thought of as absurd and very irrational.
Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2 used aspects of cubism and futurism as well in its depiction of a nude descending a staircase in a mechanistic motion. This work was the center of much controversy as Duchamp chose to display this work at the International Exhibition of Modern Art in New York City in 1913. Americans, used to realistic art, were baffled by this piece and thought it was quite controversial.
It sure isn’t very easy to make out the figure coming down the staircase at first glance because it shows her in successive motions. But one of the reasons I like this painting is because it reminds me of one of those ‘picture finds’ we stared at for hours when we were little trying to find the hidden image when it was really right in front of our faces when we stopped staring so hard. I must admit much of the dada artwork I encountered I was not a fan of, but this piece in particular appealed to me. It is a very creative piece, but not too over the top, like the sculpted urinal. I think the sense of motion in this piece makes it terribly exciting. It is also open to a person’s own interpretation. And, though I am traditionally a fan of brilliant colors, the lack of vibrant colors in this piece seem to work for it.
Knowing that the Dada movement is founded on the rejection of tradition, it is easy to see that this very nontraditional piece is perfectly representative of the movement. Its certainly not a realistic depiction of a nude descending a staircase. It utilized fragmentation and a sense of motion to depict the subject matter, which makes the piece almost a little chaotic, like the effects of the war.
Works cited:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Duchamp
http://www.understandingduchamp.com/
December 15, 2009 at 11:34 pm
One of my favorite pieces from this era. As a high school student this was my introduction to Early Modern Art. I got such a kick out of the interpretation.
January 10, 2010 at 1:39 am
April I enjoyed your Early Modern Era blog on Duchamp’s Nude Descending a Staircase, No2. Although Dada is not my favorite style of this era I do appreciate this piece. I often get the impression with art produced in this style that the artist first creates the piece then titles it after determining what it looks like. I can see the figure descending the staircase; it is just difficult to tell that the figure is nude. Don’t you think that this style closely resembles multiple exposure photography? You did a great job on your blog and you fulfilled all the requirements of the assignment. It was informative, well written and gave me a better appreciation of the Dada style and the motivation behind it.
August 16, 2010 at 7:40 am
first of all let me say that I love the work you chose to right about because I tend to favor the strange wonders of the art world. I love the illution of motion in the picture. it kind of reminds me of the cartoon flip books I used to play with as a kid. Now as for your blog I felt you expressed your opinion vividly to make it easy to understand your feelings on it as well as tell a little history behind it. I am also happy to see were you got your sources at the end of the blog. If you havent told me in the blog it was a naked lady I would of thought very diffrently about this painting and what it was because if I squint my eyes I can kind of see it but its still very abstract.
August 17, 2010 at 5:18 am
I agree with Maxine, this piece reminds me of multiple exposure photography as well. I also think you did a great job with this blog. You stated all the facts and gave some interesting background as well. This piece must have taken some studying on the artists part to find this motion.