Annie Sprinkle and Elizabeth M. Stephens Reimagine Duchamp at Le Transpalette

From October 25 to 28, 2007, Le Transpalette in Bourges, France, hosted an exhibition by Annie Sprinkle and Elizabeth M. Stephens titled "Faire l'amour avec Marcel D." The show traced Sprinkle's solo career and their collaborative works, including the humorous "Anatomie d'une pin-up" and pieces addressing Sprinkle's recent breast cancer. A highlight was a double video projection of the artists descending the Transpalette's spiral staircase, a playful homage to Duchamp's "Nude Descending a Staircase." They also created a door with a peephole referencing "Étant donné," showing two nude women on a video screen. Curated by Beatriz Preciado, the exhibition featured daily colloquia and performances. One afternoon, Sprinkle, Stephens, and Fluxus artist Willem de Ridder conducted a séance to summon Duchamp's "sexy" spirit, complete with an altar of his photo, candles, and roses. The spirit answered audience questions. When asked why Duchamp, the artists cited his cross-dressing and his role as a link between France and the United States. The closing performance, "Cuddle," invited visitors to share a bed with them for seven minutes each.