Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an everyday object that is transformed into art simply by the artist's designation and presentation. This concept challenges traditional notions of artistry and originality, as it elevates mundane items to a status of art through context and intention, often questioning the very definition of what art can be.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is credited with coining the term 'readymade' and is best known for his iconic piece 'Fountain,' which was simply a signed urinal.
2. The readymade challenges traditional artistic practices by emphasizing the artist's choice over the creation process, highlighting conceptualization rather than craftsmanship.
3. Duchamp's readymades were part of a larger Dada movement aimed at rejecting conventional aesthetics and promoting anti-art sentiments during World War I.
4. By using common objects as art, Duchamp blurred the lines between art and everyday life, making audiences reconsider their perceptions of beauty and value in art.
5. The impact of readymades extends beyond Duchamp, influencing later movements such as Pop Art and Conceptual Art, which continue to question the nature of creativity.

Review Questions

• How did Duchamp's use of readymades redefine the boundaries of what could be considered art?
  • Duchamp's use of readymades fundamentally redefined art by removing the emphasis on skillful craftsmanship and instead focusing on the artist's intent. By selecting ordinary objects and presenting them as art, he challenged traditional artistic values and opened up discussions about authorship, originality, and the role of context in art. This shift allowed for a broader understanding of creativity, influencing countless artists who followed.
• In what ways did Dadaism influence the development of the readymade concept and its acceptance in the art world?
  • Dadaism played a crucial role in paving the way for the acceptance of readymades by promoting an anti-art ethos that questioned established artistic norms. The movement's emphasis on absurdity and spontaneity encouraged artists like Duchamp to explore non-traditional mediums and challenge societal expectations surrounding art. As Dadaists embraced randomness and rejected conventional beauty, they laid the groundwork for future movements that utilized readymades as legitimate forms of artistic expression.
• Evaluate how readymades have impacted contemporary art practices and their relevance today.
  • Readymades have significantly impacted contemporary art practices by encouraging artists to rethink materials and approaches to creation. Today, many artists draw on Duchamp's legacy to explore concepts of appropriation, consumer culture, and identity through found objects. The continued relevance of readymades in today's art world challenges viewers to engage critically with art, questioning what constitutes value, originality, and creativity in an increasingly complex cultural landscape.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde movement in art that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its anti-establishment stance and absurdity, often using readymades to challenge conventional aesthetics.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished product itself, often incorporating readymades to emphasize the role of thought in art.

Marcel Duchamp: A French-American artist known for his role in the Dada movement and for popularizing the readymade concept, particularly with works like 'Fountain' and 'Bicycle Wheel.'