Readymades

Definition

Readymades are ordinary manufactured objects that artists designate as art, challenging traditional definitions of what constitutes art. This practice questions the role of the artist and the value of craftsmanship, highlighting the idea that the context in which an object is presented can alter its meaning. Readymades blur the lines between art and everyday life, serving as a critique of rationality and offering a means of cultural commentary through appropriation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is widely recognized as the pioneer of readymades, famously exhibiting a urinal titled 'Fountain' in 1917.
2. Readymades often challenge conventional notions of artistic skill by presenting mass-produced items as art, prompting viewers to reconsider their understanding of creativity.
3. The Dada movement embraced readymades as a way to reject rational thought and societal norms, aligning with their overall philosophy of absurdity and anti-establishment sentiments.
4. Readymades have influenced various contemporary art movements, including conceptual art and pop art, by encouraging artists to question authenticity and originality.
5. The context in which a readymade is displayed can drastically alter its interpretation, emphasizing how the environment affects perception in both art and culture.

Review Questions

• How do readymades challenge traditional definitions of art?
  • Readymades challenge traditional definitions of art by presenting everyday objects as art without altering their physical form. This practice forces audiences to confront preconceived notions about creativity and artistic skill, suggesting that context rather than craftsmanship determines artistic value. By designating ordinary items as art, readymades highlight the arbitrary nature of artistic categorization.
• In what ways did Dada artists utilize readymades to critique rationality?
  • Dada artists utilized readymades to critique rationality by presenting nonsensical or mundane objects as art, thus mocking the logic and reason that led to the devastation of World War I. By embracing absurdity and rejecting conventional artistic values, Dada challenged the societal norms that dictated what was considered meaningful or valuable. This approach emphasized a distrust of rational thought and invited viewers to reconsider their understanding of art's purpose.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on contemporary artistic practices and cultural commentary.
  • Readymades have profoundly impacted contemporary artistic practices by encouraging artists to appropriate existing objects and explore their meanings within new contexts. This shift has led to an expansive dialogue around originality, authenticity, and authorship in art. Moreover, readymades serve as powerful tools for cultural commentary, allowing artists to critique consumerism, societal norms, and cultural identity by recontextualizing everyday objects within their work. As a result, they have fostered a more inclusive understanding of what constitutes art and how it can engage with cultural issues.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its anti-art stance and embrace of absurdity, often using readymades as a form of protest against societal norms.

Appropriation: The practice of taking existing objects or artworks and recontextualizing them in new works, challenging the original meanings and creating cultural commentary.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished product, often utilizing readymades to emphasize this idea.