Posted by Darcey Nichols on June 02, 20100 at 22:11:59:
In Reply to: Duchamp(Rrose Selavy) and Claude Cahun posted by Glenn Harvey on March 30, 20100 at 13:16:47:
: With reference to Claude Cahun's performative 'self' photographic portraits, is there any evidence that Claude Cahun ever met Duchamp(Rrose Selavy)? If so where might I find it? Any suggestions/pointers gratefully received.
Hello,
I am a graduate art history student at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada.
I just happened to have a book on my desk titled "The Surrealist Look: An erotics of Encounter" by Mary Ann Caws, published by MIT Press. There is a chapter called "Doubling: Claude Cahun's Split Self." It does not say she met Duchamp but it discusses her meetings with Andre Breton, George Bataille and Roger Caillois. She joined the Union of the Friends of the Esoteric Arts in 1923. In 1932 she joins the Association des Ecrivains et Artistes revolutionaires. I am planning to write a paper on Cahun in the coming year so am starting research on her now. It does seem likely she knew about Duchamps alter ego considering the circles she was involved with. If I unearth any further information about Duchamp and Cahun I will contact you.
Bon chance,
Darcey Nichols