Bethan Huws has been devoting her attention to Marcel Duchamp (1887–1968) since 1999, translating this research into various works since 2007. Huws' own, decidedly humorous oeuvre is laced with wordplay, ideograms and symbols that fascinate her in Duchamp’s work. Her artistic practice is aimed at rendering hidden allusions visible in a variety of forms. Her edition for Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein is a nod to Duchamp’s iconic ready-made Fountain (1917).
The words "Piss off I’m a fountain!", reminiscent of an offhand, dismissive exclamation, originally appeared in one of her word vitrines. In this series of works, conceived as a kind of showcase for letters, Huws explores phenomena of language and speech. As she herself notes: "This word vitrine is speaking from the point of view of the urinal: 'Piss off I’m a fountain!' In light of the fact that too many people see only the urinal and forget about its title: Fountain."
Duchamp’s work Fountain is a porcelain urinal that, reclining on its side, becomes a kind of basin. It is signed with the pseudonym "R. Mutt 1917". The "R" stands for Richard and can be read as "rich art", with "Mutt" possibly representing the French word "mot" (word) or "muet" (silent, speechless). In an interpretation proposed by Huws, who explores homonyms (ambiguities) and homophones (words pronounced alike) in great depth: "Rich art that says nothing to us." Huws' work appears to respond to this with vociferous speech. The edition is available as a screen print and as a T-shirt. Does wearing the T-shirt turn you into a fountain, a ready-made with an eloquent tongue?
Published as part of the exhibition Artist’s Choice: Bethan Huws, 2024 curated by Bethan Huws.
Bethan Huws (* 1961 in Bangor, Wales) lives and works in Berlin, Germany.
Screen print on Arches watercolour paper, satin finish, 300 g/m2, 100% cotton
Sheet size: 76 x 56 cm
Copies: 35 + 10 AP
Signed, dated, numbered and named recto
Print: Frédéric Préjean, Paris
Available in the museum shop only.