Marcel Broodthaers

Marcel Broodthaers (1924-1976) was a post-war Belgian artist who is best known for his work in Conceptual art and sculptural installation art. He was born in Köln, Rheinland in 1924. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Brussels, and also attended classes at the Museum of Modern Art in Brussels. His career as an artist began in the late 1950s, when he started to explore the use of everyday objects and language in his works. He became known for his use of readymade objects, often found in supermarket shelves or taken from his own home. He also used language and text to convey his message, often in the form of slogans or words written on walls or banners. Broodthaers often explored themes of national identity and cultural heritage, creating works that were often seen as critical of Belgium's colonial history. His works often featured references to his own personal history, as well as to the history of art itself. In the early 1970s, Broodthaers became one of the most important figures in the Conceptual art movement, and his works were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums around the world. He died in 1976 in Köln