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02. Paradigms and Empiricism

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Ancient Art and Human Consciousness We are beset by numerous problems when studying History, and the further back in time we go, the more problematic these become. There are far more gaps than areas we can be certain of and very often we have to exercise enormous imaginative leaps in order to fill them.  This is especially true in the stud y of Art.  There are numerous discoveries that are being constantly uncovered that are not always helpful in establishing a neat and orderly timeline. As frustrating as these are it is not a scientific response to ignore or even destroy them.  But the story of mankind is as much a political endeavour as is every bit of knowledge we have access to. History is written by the victors it is said and this it would seem is the sad truth of most Historical records which at best are an interpretation of scant evidence that more than likely fits a required. Graham Hancock and his book, "Supernatural."  Art, Archeology and the Darwinist Para...
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05. Duchamp and Friends

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Duchamp and Relationships  The impression Duchamp gives is of a Taciturn and aloof personality and therefore it is reasonable to wonder whether Duchamp had any really close friendships.  As a person it seems he was not as cold and distant as the impression he gave and was an easy going an agreeable person who indeed had a number of close friendships. In many of his outlandish Art statements he was "assisted" or perhaps egged on by friends and acquaintances and without these perhaps some of the more provocative pieces wouldn't have been submitted. But it seems his close friends were few and carefully chosen.  I wish to mention one of the strange predilections of Duchamp that seem very odd and may have been even more strange to people back in these times. One of the earliest examples of Performance Art in the visual arts is Duchamp's creation of a female alter-ego, one Rrose Selavy, in 1920.  There are a number of photographs of Duchamp dr...
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