Mickey Z
Cool Observer
Saturday, April 02, 2005
Marcel Duchamp declares independence
The arch in Washington Square Park contains a door (now sealed). Inside that door are 110 iron steps that lead to an enclosed space at the top...wherein, it seems, those in this space can get to the outside.
Accounts vary, but it was a winter night in either 1916 or 1917 when Marcel Duchamp and a band of five other merry bohemians--armed with Chinese lanterns, red balloons, cap guns, food, drink, and hot water bottles--broke in, climbed the stairs, and threw a party to declare Greenwich Village “a free and independent republic.”
(Duchamp)
Artist Gertrude Drick, a relocated Texan (who was known to pass out calling cards reading “Woe,” so as to be able to say “Woe is me") read a declaration proclaiming “the free and independent republic of Washington Square.” A New Bohemia, if you will.
John Sloan recorded the event in an etching titled “The Arch Conspirators.”
Luc Sante writes: “In the morning passersby noticed clusters of red balloons in the neighborhood trees.”
Fun facts: The area that is now Washington Square Park was once a potter’s field for yellow fever victims. Where the fountain now stands was a public gallows. Those hanged there were also buried in the park.
Fun rumor: During WWII, someone lived at the top of the arch.
Copyright © 2005-2007 Mickey Z.
