Marcel Duchamp was one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. A retrospective of his work is running at MoMA from April 25–August 22, 2026.
From the exhibition catalog: "Marcel Duchamp’s bicycle wheel, its spokes spinning above a wooden kitchen stool with no destination in mind, is arguably the most consequential non-artwork in the history of art. Not a sculpture in the traditional sense, not quite an object either, it hovers in a suspended state between utility and thought, action and speculation."
How did this ubiquitous object become so meaningful to Duchamp? The spoked bicycle wheel affects each of us differently—some not at all and others, very strongly. It's arguably one of the most consequential inventions of our species!
Comments will be approved before showing up.
Mark Petry
May 09, 2026
this post made my day ! yes the spoked bike wheel is magnificent structure, strong, simple and elegant. Thanks Ric !!