Young American Girl In A State Of Nudity-Francis Picabia 1915A cynical statement on the mechanization of desire and sexuality, Francis Picabia’s Proto-Dada illustration was first published in Alfred Stieglitz’s magazine 291. Employing the style of commercial graphics found in trade magazines to downplay any notion of a highbrow and bourgeois art, the line drawing of a spark plug takes on a new meaning with the deeply ironical title.
Picabia’s, “Young American Girl In A State Of Nudity” has so many wonderful implications. I’m rather surprised it wasn’t banned, although maybe, just maybe the many meanings behind it was completely over looked by “those in charge” and view only as a spark plug. Thank you Mr. Cake, a wonderful post. ~ Miss Cranes
I’m sure there is a method to the madness, either Lee Miller or Yves Tanguy. Well it could be a “Dreams of Desire” too. Hmm… I guess I will have to be surprised. (Looking forward to more about Yves.)
Hi Cake, I especially love this post today. As I am reminiscing about a love that was supposed to be ‘for-ever’. Alas, nothing is forever…not a spark plug, not love…not sex. I suppose art is though…that is how we are able to enjoy what you are showing us here.
Thank you so much, this is could be a big metaphysical discussion. It is a great piece of art, though Picabia was resolutely anti-art and preferred womanising, gambling and heroin.
How profoundly ‘American’ – with all sorts of little ironies. The mechanization, the ‘throw away’ nature of a simple spark plug, the trade-magazine style. And in 1915, no less. Quite clever!
Picabia was French with Spanish and Cuban roots but along with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray was a prime instigator of New York Dada. He liked fast cars, women, gambling, drugs and was generally louche, cynical and nihilistic. I like him a lot.
Picabia was French with Spanish and Cuban roots but along with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray was a prime instigator of New York Dada. Women couldn’t resist his devil may care attitude
![291%20(sparkplug)[1]](https://cakeordeathsite.files.wordpress.com/2016/05/29120sparkplug1.jpg?w=656)
cakeordeathsite 
Love love love it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks it’s a witty piece of art, I like Picabia he was charming, cynical and nihilistic
LikeLiked by 1 person
Clever and humorous. Like this a lot.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you, it is very witty. It is interesting how concerns that we think are entirely contemporary have been bothering people for ages
LikeLiked by 2 people
Ha ha! Too true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Picabia’s, “Young American Girl In A State Of Nudity” has so many wonderful implications. I’m rather surprised it wasn’t banned, although maybe, just maybe the many meanings behind it was completely over looked by “those in charge” and view only as a spark plug. Thank you Mr. Cake, a wonderful post. ~ Miss Cranes
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you Miss Cranes…it is indeed a subversive work. Well a Man Ray, Picabia…can you guess who is next?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m sure there is a method to the madness, either Lee Miller or Yves Tanguy. Well it could be a “Dreams of Desire” too. Hmm… I guess I will have to be surprised. (Looking forward to more about Yves.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hopefully there is some method, it all makes sense to me but that doesn’t mean there is. You will just have to wait and see
LikeLiked by 1 person
Now I’m quite curious, posting it today? Giving any clues?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Read my reply to megs comments on for-ever
LikeLiked by 1 person
Are you dedicating a post to Picabia?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I mentioned the prime movers in New York Dada… today I posted Man Ray, Picabia so…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Marcel Duchamp… I’m slow, it’s Monday!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are never slow Copper… it will yo in ten minutes… I think you will like this one… we can argue about my interpretation.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mr. Cake, thank you for letting me know. I will catch up with you and your post in a little while. Looking forward to it!
LikeLike
Hi Cake, I especially love this post today. As I am reminiscing about a love that was supposed to be ‘for-ever’. Alas, nothing is forever…not a spark plug, not love…not sex. I suppose art is though…that is how we are able to enjoy what you are showing us here.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, this is could be a big metaphysical discussion. It is a great piece of art, though Picabia was resolutely anti-art and preferred womanising, gambling and heroin.
LikeLike
Cake, some people consider womanising, gambling, and shooting heroin an art form.
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I wouldn’t disagree with them
LikeLiked by 1 person
How profoundly ‘American’ – with all sorts of little ironies. The mechanization, the ‘throw away’ nature of a simple spark plug, the trade-magazine style. And in 1915, no less. Quite clever!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Picabia was French with Spanish and Cuban roots but along with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray was a prime instigator of New York Dada. He liked fast cars, women, gambling, drugs and was generally louche, cynical and nihilistic. I like him a lot.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Turn of the last century YOLO. Let us eat and drink for tomorrow we may die?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Probably… I believe he cut quite a swath through Paris, Barcelona, New York and Monte Carlo society. Women couldn’t resist his devil may care attitude
LikeLiked by 2 people
The lovable rogue. Completely irresistible! Worth emulating, Monsieur?
LikeLiked by 1 person
I need no fore bearer in revolution My good doctor
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, I imagine you don’t… My dear lieutenant
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am being productive today, another re-post.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Picabia was French with Spanish and Cuban roots but along with Marcel Duchamp and Man Ray was a prime instigator of New York Dada. Women couldn’t resist his devil may care attitude
LikeLike