Here's a breakdown of how his work relates to the terms you mentioned:
Pragmatism: While Duchamp's work often challenged the traditional value of art objects and their creation, it's not solely driven by pragmatism. He was interested in provoking thought and questioning the very definition of art, rather than simply focusing on utility or practicality.
Formalism: Duchamp's work can be seen as anti-formalist, especially his Readymades. He rejected the traditional focus on craftsmanship, aesthetics, and formal beauty in favor of challenging the very notion of what constitutes art. He was more interested in the conceptual and the thought-provoking aspects of his work.
Symbolism: While Duchamp's work can be interpreted symbolically, it's not inherently symbolic in the way that traditional symbolism aims to represent abstract ideas or concepts through visual elements. His work is often open to multiple interpretations and challenges the viewer to engage in their own analysis.
Instead of categorizing Duchamp's work into these movements, it's more accurate to describe it as:
* Conceptual Art: He emphasized the idea behind the work, its meaning, and the thought processes it provoked rather than its physical form or traditional artistic techniques.
* Dadaist: His work shares characteristics with Dadaism, a movement that challenged traditional artistic conventions and embraced absurdity, satire, and anti-establishment ideals.
* Avant-Garde: Duchamp was a pioneer of the avant-garde, pushing the boundaries of art and challenging conventional norms.
Ultimately, Duchamp's work is best understood as a unique and complex exploration of what art can be and how it interacts with the world. It's a blend of different artistic approaches, but ultimately, it's best understood on its own terms, as a testament to Duchamp's own unique vision and artistic philosophy.