Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an everyday object that an artist selects and presents as art, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes artistic creation. This concept emphasizes the idea that the artist's choice and context can elevate a mundane item to a work of art, effectively blurring the lines between art and life. Readymades played a pivotal role in the Dada movement, which sought to question and disrupt established artistic values and norms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'readymade' was popularized by Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century as part of the Dada movement's challenge to traditional art forms.
2. Duchamp's 'Fountain,' a urinal turned upside down and signed 'R. Mutt,' is one of the most famous examples of a readymade, questioning the nature of artistic authorship.
3. Readymades are often seen as a precursor to conceptual art, emphasizing that an artist's intention can transform an ordinary object into art.
4. The use of readymades was not just about selecting objects but also about engaging viewers in a dialogue about art, culture, and society.
5. Readymades contributed to the democratization of art by suggesting that anyone could create art simply by choosing an everyday object and presenting it in a new context.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of readymades challenge traditional definitions of art during the Dada movement?
  • Readymades challenged traditional definitions of art by presenting everyday objects as works of art, which contradicted the idea that art must be uniquely crafted or aesthetically pleasing. This approach shifted the focus from technical skill to the artist's intention and selection process. By doing this, Dada artists invited audiences to reconsider their perceptions of creativity and the very essence of what constitutes art.
• Discuss how Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades influenced later movements in contemporary art.
  • Marcel Duchamp's introduction of readymades significantly influenced contemporary art movements like Conceptual Art and Postmodernism by prioritizing ideas over traditional craftsmanship. Artists began to explore the boundaries of what could be considered art, utilizing everyday objects and emphasizing concepts behind their works. This shift paved the way for diverse artistic expressions that challenged audiences to engage intellectually rather than emotionally with art.
• Evaluate the cultural implications of readymades within the context of early 20th-century society and how they reflected broader societal changes.
  • The cultural implications of readymades during the early 20th century were profound, as they mirrored broader societal changes such as industrialization, mass production, and shifts in consumer culture. By selecting mass-produced objects as art, Dada artists critiqued the commercialization of culture and questioned artistic authority in a rapidly changing world. This reflection on modernity resonated with audiences seeking new meanings in an increasingly complex society, ultimately reshaping perceptions of both art and everyday life.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its embrace of chaos, absurdity, and a rejection of traditional artistic values.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished product, aligning closely with the principles of readymades.

Marcel Duchamp: A French artist known for his role in establishing the readymade concept, famously presenting objects like 'Fountain' to challenge conventional art aesthetics.