Bethan Huws

Critical text

The works of Bethan Huws (b. 1961, Bangor) are part of a monumental research project that examines an almost mythical figure—one who has had a powerful influence not only on her work, but also on that of countless contemporary artists—namely Marcel Duchamp. Over a fairly long period of time (from 2007 to 2014, starting up again in 2017), the artist has ‘mapped’ the world of Duchamp, creating an almost encyclopaedic series of thousands of A4 sheets, which she then mounts on hundreds of panels to form an original and intricate organism of images and texts. Her interaction with Duchamp may be in the form of a photocopy of an encyclopaedic quotation, an image taken from the history of art, a note written in pencil, or comments written on coloured Post-its scattered around this colossal work, to which she has given the title ‘Reading Duchamp’. The ‘reading’ is respectful but free, and it also consists of sketches, more conventional drawings in which she attempts to take possession of Duchamp’s world, and writings that often act as connections within the intentionally confused range of images. The latter also include photographs of the ‘maestro’, who puts himself on show, giving the conceptual nature and complexity of the work a light, humorous touch.

Text by Letizia Ragaglia