Dancing around Duchamp

Nude descending a staircase (1912)
One of my favourite pieces from the
exhibition

I recently went to see the The Bride and the Bachelors: Duchamp with Cage, Cunningham, Rauschenberg and Johns exhibition at the Barbican and it definitely is up the top (along with with the Hollywood Costume exhibition at the V&A [2012/13]!) as one of my favourite exhibitions.

I was a little unsure as to what the exhibition would be about when I booked it. I just new that it combined art, music and dance which won me over and I wasn't disappointed!

Fountain (1917)

The exhibition showcases Duchamp's influence on Cage, Cunningham, Rauschenberg and Johns and includes Duchamp's most influential work including 'Bicycle Wheel' from 1913 and 'Fountain' from 1917. This is complimented by the paintings, sculpture, stage sets and musical notations from Cage, Cunningham, Rauschenberg and Johns and furthermore, live contemporary dance performances and a two self playing pianos of Cage's 'prepared piano' where the sound is altered by placing objects between the strings.

I really admired the way the exhibition linked performance, art and music together. And also the way it highlights how Duchamp questions 'What is art?' really makes you think. I love the idea that anything can be art and anyone can be an artist and use it as a way to express themselves.

All in all a fantastic exhibition and well worth the money. Plus if you're aged between 16-25 sign up to the Barbican's 'freeB' membership here and it's 2 for 1 on a Monday!


The Dancing around Duchamp season is on until June which includes other events as well as the exhibition.