In Reply to: Duchamp's "Tu m" --clarification of title posted by dennis boyer on December 20, 1999 at 10:35:07:
Theoretically, "Tu m'" could be followed
by any verb starting with a vowel, but the most
common usage back then was 'tu m'emmerdes'
(See: Arturo Schwarz, Completed Works by Marcel
Duchamp, vol. II, New York: Delano, 1997,
cat. no. 354,
p.658). The piece itself was commissioned by
Katherine S. Dreier for a space above her
bookshelves. Although 'Tu m'" could stand for
'Tu m'aimes', 'agacer, ennuyer, emmerdes'
(irritate, annoy, bore stiff) is more likely,
reflecting either on the old and
'dead' process of oil painting or on Duchamp's
sometimes troubled relationship with Ms. Dreier
(cf: Dawn Ades (ed.)Marcel Duchamp, London:
Thames and Hudson, 1999, p. 172-73).
the work is much discussed throughout Duchamp
literature and any library should have much more
additional information on it.
Good luck,
Thomas Girst