6 XI 1981

BWA Gallery in Lublin

manifestation during the opening of the exhibition “Documents of Manifestations from 1968-1980”

Description of the manifestation:

Inside the gallery, a large sheet of paper hangs on the wall bearing the inscription DIALOG Z MARCEL DUCHAMP (DIALOGUE WITH MARCEL DUCHAMP). Next to it stands a table with chess pieces spread out on it; two chairs flank the table. A rectangular piece of plywood with the inscription PRZEDMIOT GOTOWY (READY-MADE OBJECT) hangs from the table. A short distance away, on the floor, lies a square formed by a thick layer of sand. On the sand rests a pile of small wood chips. The artist enters naked and delivers a short lecture on the ready-made object. He then approaches the table, takes down a board with the inscription PRZEDMIOT GOTOWY (READY-MADE OBJECT) and hangs it around his neck. Next he walks to the pile of wood chips and sets them on fire. He waits a moment, and the fire begins to burn fiercely. The artist then removes the board from his neck and places it in the fire. He then approaches the table and invites a young woman in the audience to play a game of chess. The game begins. During the game, after each move, the author draws a small line segment on his body with green paint. When the segments together form a large question mark, he suggests taking a break. He stands up, walks to the dying fire, and takes out a piece of wood. Then he approaches a blackboard hanging on the wall. Using charcoal, he crosses out the green question mark on his body and places it beneath the inscription MARCEL DUCHAMP. He signs his name next to it, along with the current date.

Photo by Andrzej Polakowski