ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Ann Temkin on Marcel Duchamp's Readymade Legacy at MoMA

other · 2026-05-05

A century after the birth of the readymade, Marcel Duchamp's work continues to challenge audiences on the role of the artist and the nature of art. In a video, MoMA curator Ann Temkin traces the history of this radical gesture, explaining its genesis and significance, emphasizing Duchamp's desire to transcend the 'retinal' state in pursuit of conceptual art. This shift in perspective has profoundly altered contemporary art's trajectory, influencing generations of artists.

Key facts

  • The readymade was born 100 years ago.
  • Marcel Duchamp's work questions the role of the artist and the nature of art.
  • Ann Temkin is a curator at MoMA.
  • Temkin explains the genesis and importance of the readymade.
  • Duchamp aimed to move beyond 'retinal' art toward conceptual art.
  • The readymade changed the course of contemporary art.
  • The video was published in 2017.
  • Artribune is the source publication.

Entities

Artists

  • Marcel Duchamp

Institutions

  • MoMA
  • Artribune

Locations

  • New York
  • United States

Sources