Do these two works stand on their own if the viewer does not know the concept or intent of the artist? I also have to ask, if this were not a piece of artwork by Duchamp would I like it as much?
Yes and no.
I like Duchamps work in general and like this piece but on a purely visual level. My opinion of the piece is not inhanced at all by knowing the concept behind it. Did Duchamp really intend for the viewer to understand his representation of attraction and desire(or lack there of as labeled by critics and historians), or did he title the piece for us (as viewers and critics) to add meaning to a piece he simply enjoyed creating?

I am intrigued by the concept of Gnaw and find it interesting, but am left numb by the installation itself (visually).
If I walked into a gallery as this piece was being produced/performed, and could watch Janine Antoni gnawing and spitting out lard I may find the process interesting...then again I could gag and find it a bit repulsive and loose interest in the concept altogether.

Art for arts sake? When a conceptual piece of work stands only on knowing the concept to appreciate it, is it still a strong piece of work? Is this putting too much of the work in the hands of the viewer?

S