Duchamp weighs in on Bowen's lock-block wall: Woodall

Finally, there’s an open call out for the wall mural. What fortunate timing. As many of you know, Marcel Duchamp, the renowned block wall conceptualist has recently moved to Bowen Island.  For those who are unfamiliar with Duchamp’s work, a short biography can be found on page 168 of the reference book Art for Dummies. His work, it says, has been equally admired and reviled which is perfect for Bowen Island.

The first time he disembarked from the Queen of Capilano, Duchamp was awestruck by the majesty of the long undulating row of unadorned interlocking grey blocks which he took to be a minimalist metaphor for simple island life.

He was even more delighted to learn that we had an actual public art advisory committee because as they say in Rouen, “sept têtes valent mieux qu’une.”

“Zut alors,” he exclaimed, struggling in his broken English, “I shall be permitted to benefit the community through strengthening its identity and civic pride by enhancing public spaces for residents and visitors. I can demonstrate a clear belief in the importance of culture, heritage and creativity while leaving a lasting legacy for the future. I hope there is some community-based process for incorporating the integration of artwork into public spaces throughout Bowen Island!

“Such a policy could provide council, staff and the community with a clear, consistent framework for decision making, so they might not only know all about art, but also know what they don’t like.” Marcel’s way with his second language charms, as only a Frenchman can.

He added that he “yearned to help promote the culture of Bowen Island and to enhance its desirability as a community by creating an appealing environment in which to live while honouring, preserving and encouraging our cultural heritage and artistic diversity in order to promote civic identity through awareness and preservation of the community’s history and cultures but at the same time, support effective community planning, economic development and cultural tourism opportunities.”

We are indeed blessed to have this world-renowned genius among us.  He is proposing a world-class installation that combines fleeting deception with eternal beauty. The concept is to install a mural of monumental irony. “Art Trouve” he calls it, except that he puts a little stick over the e.

Lucky for us Marcel has located and imported fifty segments of a remarkably large Christmas wall decoration originally in the Target discount store in Bellingham.  He finds much amusement in the irony that his entire composition will be lineal and best of all, “Plastique Naturel,” reflecting simultaneously the antithesis and also the tithesis of Bowen. And for very special occasions, there will be that added feature of flammability.  He has apologized in advance for burdening the committee and perhaps council itself with so many similar panels to evaluate.

The rumours that Marcel Duchamp is dead should be dismissed. And if true, all the more admirable that he would take on this epic endeavour.