Armory Show

Definition

The Armory Show was an influential art exhibition held in New York City in 1913, showcasing modern art from Europe and America. It is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the history of American art, introducing new styles and concepts to the American public, including those associated with movements like Cubism and Futurism. The event sparked both excitement and controversy, significantly impacting the reception of modern art in the United States.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Armory Show took place in the 69th Regiment Armory on Lexington Avenue and featured over 1,300 works by more than 300 artists.
2. Marcel Duchamp's 'Nude Descending a Staircase, No. 2' became one of the most controversial pieces at the show, provoking a mixed response from critics and the public.
3. The exhibition marked the first time many Americans were exposed to avant-garde European movements, including Fauvism, Cubism, and Futurism.
4. The show attracted approximately 87,000 visitors over its two-week duration, reflecting a growing interest in modern art in America.
5. The Armory Show is credited with launching the careers of several artists and influencing future generations of American artists who began to explore new styles and ideas.

Review Questions

• How did the Armory Show contribute to the shift in American perceptions of modern art?
  • The Armory Show played a crucial role in transforming American perceptions of modern art by introducing avant-garde European styles to a wider audience. The exhibition showcased innovative works that challenged traditional artistic norms and conventions. Artists like Marcel Duchamp presented ideas that provoked thought and debate about what constituted art, pushing viewers to reconsider their expectations and acceptance of modern artistic expressions.
• Discuss the significance of Marcel Duchamp's contributions to the Armory Show and how they affected the understanding of art in America.
  • Marcel Duchamp's contributions to the Armory Show were significant as they embodied the radical shift toward conceptual art. His piece 'Fountain,' a readymade sculpture made from a urinal, challenged the conventional definitions of art and raised questions about authorship and artistic intent. This confrontation with established norms not only generated controversy at the show but also laid the groundwork for future artistic movements that prioritized ideas over traditional aesthetics.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Armory Show on the American art scene and its legacy in contemporary art practices.
  • The long-term effects of the Armory Show on the American art scene were profound, establishing a foundation for modernism that influenced countless artists and movements. The exhibition catalyzed a shift towards experimentation and abstraction in American art, encouraging artists to explore new materials and concepts. Its legacy can be seen today in contemporary practices that continue to challenge boundaries, embracing diverse media and ideas while questioning what constitutes art itself.

Related terms

Marcel Duchamp:

A French-American artist whose work was central to the development of conceptual art, best known for his ready-made sculptures, including 'Fountain,' which challenged traditional notions of art.

Modernism: A broad cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, characterized by a deliberate break from tradition and a search for new forms of expression in art, literature, and architecture.

Ready-Made: An art form created by selecting and redesignating ordinary manufactured objects as works of art, famously used by Duchamp to challenge conventional definitions of art.