Duchamp

(image from Wikipedia)

At first glance, Duchamp’s “The Bride Stripped Bare by Her Bachelors, Even” seemed like an image that anyone could create - randomly dispersed doodles, possibly representing something personal and therefor inscrutable (since the visuals alone do not convey the purpose). However, after visually examining the piece it became apparent that organization was present, as certain shape/tone clusters formed perceptible [yet abstract] objects. Even more noticeable, a horizontal line divided the piece into two sections. Because time was spent arranging the image’s content, Duchamp had some intention of making his work visually appealing. Still, the image’s aesthetics do not convey its meaning, and it was not until Duchamp’s notes were presented that I began to understand The Bride. It is a sequence, not a static image, that depicts female and male interaction (in all ways conceivable), and the luck associated with a woman accepting her suitors’ proposals ( not necessarily for marriage). However, to be able to “see” this perpetual chain of events, one must read the notes and relate them to the objects found in the image. In addition, many crucial “parts” exist only in the notes, primarily those that flow (belong to several sections of the event), such as the malic gas and the shots. Without the visuals, the notes themselves would be gibberish, since they would no longer be referencing something. Overall, there are no faults I can assign this piece, except that it is incomplete. Though Duchamp presents us with abstract forms, he provides insight as to what they actually are through his notes. By combining the two types of information presented to us, written and visual, we are able to appreciate Duchamp’s piece as a very unique and thought out collection of ideas.