Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary object that an artist designates as art, challenging traditional notions of what art can be. This concept emphasizes the idea that the context and intention behind an object's presentation can transform its meaning and status, which plays a significant role in both movements that redefined artistic expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain,' a urinal turned on its back and signed 'R. Mutt,' is one of the most famous examples of a readymade and sparked significant debate about the definition of art.
2. Readymades represent a shift from traditional craftsmanship to an emphasis on ideas, questioning the role of the artist and viewer in the creation of meaning.
3. Dada artists embraced readymades as a form of anti-art, using them to protest against established norms and to reflect the absurdity of society during World War I.
4. In Conceptual Art, readymades serve as a medium for exploring philosophical questions, emphasizing how meaning can be constructed through context rather than inherent qualities of an object.
5. The influence of readymades can be seen in various contemporary art forms, where artists continue to challenge perceptions and invite new interpretations of everyday objects.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of readymades challenge traditional notions of artistry and craftsmanship?
  • The introduction of readymades challenged traditional notions of artistry by shifting focus from skill and craftsmanship to the intention behind the presentation of an object. Artists like Duchamp argued that any object could be considered art if it was selected and framed by an artist's perspective. This radical idea diminished the importance of artistic technique and opened up new avenues for expressing ideas in art.
• Discuss how readymades function within both Dada and Conceptual Art, highlighting their significance in each movement.
  • In Dada, readymades served as a form of anti-art, allowing artists to critique societal norms and question what constituted art during tumultuous times. For instance, Duchamp's 'Fountain' challenged conventional aesthetics and sparked controversy about artistic value. In Conceptual Art, readymades take on new significance as they are used to emphasize the importance of ideas over physical form. Artists manipulate context to provoke thought, showing that the meaning derives from conceptual engagement rather than craftsmanship.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of readymades on contemporary art practices and how they continue to shape artistic expression today.
  • Readymades have had a profound and lasting impact on contemporary art practices by encouraging artists to rethink materials and meanings in their work. This approach allows for broader interpretations and engages viewers in discussions about art's definition. Today, many artists utilize found objects and incorporate readymade elements into their pieces to challenge societal conventions or highlight cultural commentary, thus continuing Duchamp's legacy and reinforcing the idea that context can redefine artistic expression.

Related terms

Duchamp: Marcel Duchamp was a pivotal figure in the Dada movement who famously popularized readymades, elevating everyday objects to the status of art.

Found Object: An object not originally intended as art, repurposed or recontextualized by an artist, often reflecting themes of everyday life and culture.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea behind the work is more important than the finished art object itself, often utilizing readymades to convey complex concepts.