Duchamp’s influence inspires new show

Many contemporary artists are still influenced, directly or indirectly, by French artist Marcel Duchamp, who brought a urinal to an art show in 1917 and said it was an art work titled “Fountain.” With the idea that any object in the hands of an artist can be transformed into art, he helped artists break free from the shackles of theme and materials.

An exhibit of post-Duchamp artists whose works imply his influence starts today at Opera Gallery Seoul in southern Seoul. The show, “Rehab: Tribute to Marcel Duchamp,” features about 40 works by 19 artists.

The participants range from the French-born American Arman (1928-2005) famous for his “assemblage” art of accumulated objects such as gloves or musical instruments to contemporary artists such as Marc Quinn and Damien Hirst, who are part of the Young British Artists group.

“Trois chemises” by Greek artist PAVLOS, top, and “Another Golden Moment” (2008) by British artist Marc Quinn are part of the exhibition “Rehab” at Opera Gallery that starts today.Provided by the gallery

“The title ‘Rehab’ refers to the re-training or re-education that Duchamp gave artists and viewers with his epoch-making art” the gallery said in a press release.

The show runs until March 18 and admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Opera Gallery is located on the first floor of the Nature Poem building near Cheongdam Intersection. Go to Cheongdam Station, line No. 7, exit 9, and walk for 10 minutes. Call visit www.operagallery.com or call (02) 3446-0070.

By Moon So-young [symoon@joongang.co.kr]