Fountain Gallery

Behind the art

One hundred years after artist Marcel Duchamp redefined the art world with “Fountain” (1917), controversy over gender identity and public lavatory usage has fueled “Bathroom bills” (2017) throughout the United States. Strict gender-separated lavatories continue to be hotly contended, considering every variation on the gender spectrum. Many conscientious businesses simply nixed the traditional men’s room and powder room, instead offering two restrooms that anyone can use at his or her discretion.