CONFERENCE WITH MARCEL DUCHAMP
8 September, 2006 Werkleitz Biennale, Halle

During the Werkleitz Biennial, which was dedicated to religious systems, I invited a group of artists to confer with Duchamp— as if we were going to interview him. In order to guarantee »authenticity«, I gave the artists discretion over the questions, remaining as moderator only. Further séances were recorded and assembled under the title »Dialogues with the Classics«. Among those invited to the »dialogues« were primary artists, critics, gallerists, etc. Some »meetings« occurred in galleries, in museums and other art institutions.

TEXT OF VIDEO RECORDING

AUDIENCE    Spirit of Marcel Duchamp, come to us! Spirit of Duchamp, are you here?
DUCHAMP    Yes.
AUDIENCE    May we ask you some questions?
DUCHAMP    Yes.
AUDIENCE    Tell us please, does life have any meaning?
DUCHAMP    Hardly.
AUDIENCE    Does God exist?
DUCHAMP    There is no God!
AUDIENCE    Is beauty important?
DUCHAMP    URINAL
AUDIENCE    Marcel Duchamp, are there happy believers?
DUCHAMP    Certainly.
AUDIENCE    Marcel Duchamp, are there miracles?
DUCHAMP    Indeed...