Arte Útil

(2009) productie / production 2016

Tania Bruguera

urinal, art historical references, porcelain enamel

ca. 54 x 32 x 35 cm

Acquired in 2015

Inventory number 3225

Location VAM, C1, 06, 00 Herentoilet

met steun van / with support of VriendenLoterij

The Van Abbemuseum Collection consists of over 3400 artworks. We publish texts and images on an ongoing basis, but this record is currently in the process of being documented.

If you need specific information on this work or artist, remember that the Van Abbemuseum Library is at your disposal, or feel free to write to the library.

Description

In 1917 Marcel Duchamp placed a urinal on its back in an exhibition hall. By depriving the object of its practical use, signing it and presenting it as a sculptural object, he declared it to be art. Tania Bruguera installs such an autographed urinal in the museum’s public toilet. By restoring the urinal to its original purpose, she invites us to consider the usefulness of art and its function within society.

The authorship of the original work has recently been called into question. Most likely it is not by Duchamp, but by Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven.

[2018]

Does this page contain inaccurate information or language that you feel we should improve or change? We would like to hear from you.

Context

Literature by or about Tania Bruguera