Marcel Duchamp, Boîte-en-valise (portable museum), 1941
In 1941 Duchamp demostrated the contents of the box, housed inside its purpose-made suitcase. The flaps of the box can be opened to reveal a compilation of his works reproduced in photographs, prints, and diminutive models, thus creating a portable museum. The 'Boîte' also has functional associations with the Port-Monnaie (Purse), a pigskin attaché case for use by casino gamblers.
Andy Warhol, Raid the Icebox I with Andy Warhol, 1970
Rather than make a selection of his favourite or the 'best' pieces in the museum storeroom, Warhol chose to exhibit the complete collection of various types of objects, regardless of provenance or condition. The items shown here include shoes and parasols. The exhibition was an early precursor of what has since become a more frequent tendency for museums to invite artists to curate shows.
Art and artifact - The museum as medium, James Putnam, Thames & Hudson




