Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items that artists repurpose and incorporate into their artwork, often blurring the lines between art and ordinary life. This practice encourages a fresh perspective on common materials and challenges traditional notions of what can be considered art. In the context of mass media and consumer culture, found objects serve as a commentary on consumerism and the relationships people have with the products surrounding them.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects gained prominence in the early 20th century, especially with movements like Dada and Surrealism, where artists sought to challenge conventional artistic values.
2. Pop artists utilized found objects to critique mass production and consumer culture, often incorporating commercial imagery and products into their work.
3. The use of found objects can evoke nostalgia or provoke thought about waste and the environment, prompting viewers to reconsider their consumption habits.
4. Artists like Andy Warhol famously used found objects in their work to highlight the relationship between art and commercialism, using items like soup cans to blur the lines between fine art and popular culture.
5. Found objects often invite collaboration with viewers, as they may recognize the original purpose of the items used, fostering personal connections to the artwork.

Review Questions

• How do found objects serve as a critique of consumer culture in Pop Art?
  • Found objects in Pop Art highlight the relationship between art and consumer culture by utilizing everyday items to critique mass production. Artists like Andy Warhol transformed mundane products into iconic works, challenging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of value and artistry. By incorporating familiar consumer goods into their creations, these artists provoke discussions about the impact of advertising and commodification on individual identity.
• Discuss the impact of using found objects on the perception of art in contemporary society.
  • The use of found objects has significantly shifted perceptions of art by breaking down traditional barriers between high art and everyday life. This practice invites audiences to engage with art in new ways, as they recognize familiar items recontextualized in an artistic framework. It challenges viewers to think critically about their surroundings and encourages a more inclusive definition of what can be considered art, reflecting broader societal changes related to creativity and expression.
• Evaluate how the incorporation of found objects reflects societal attitudes towards materialism and waste in modern art.
  • The incorporation of found objects in modern art serves as a powerful reflection on societal attitudes towards materialism and waste. Artists often use discarded or overlooked items to comment on consumption patterns and environmental issues, prompting audiences to engage with themes of sustainability and value. By transforming everyday materials into art, these artists not only highlight the excesses of consumer culture but also encourage viewers to rethink their relationship with both objects and the environment, fostering a dialogue about responsibility in a materialistic society.

Related terms

Assemblage: A three-dimensional work of art made by combining found objects and various materials to create a unified piece.

Readymade: A term used to describe ordinary manufactured objects that are designated as art, popularized by artist Marcel Duchamp.

Consumer Culture: A social order characterized by the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, influencing individual identities and values.