Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary, often mass-produced object that is transformed into art simply by the artist's designation of it as such. This concept challenges traditional notions of creativity and artistic value, especially within avant-garde movements, which sought to disrupt established norms and conventions in art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'readymade' was popularized by Marcel Duchamp, who famously presented a urinal as art titled 'Fountain' in 1917.
2. Readymades were a radical departure from traditional sculpture, as they challenged the idea of artistic craftsmanship and originality.
3. Duchamp argued that the act of choosing an object as art was itself an artistic decision, emphasizing the role of the artist's intention.
4. The use of readymades contributed to the blurring of boundaries between art and everyday life, encouraging viewers to reconsider their definitions of art.
5. Readymades have had a lasting influence on contemporary art practices, inspiring movements like conceptual art and pop art.

Review Questions

• How do readymades challenge traditional notions of artistic creativity and value?
  • Readymades challenge traditional notions of creativity by presenting everyday objects as art through the artist's designation. This act questions the importance of craftsmanship and originality, suggesting that context and intention are crucial in defining what constitutes art. By elevating mundane items to artistic status, readymades invite viewers to rethink their preconceived notions about aesthetics and the role of the artist.
• Discuss how Dadaism utilized readymades to critique societal norms and conventions in art.
  • Dadaism embraced readymades as a means to critique societal norms and conventions in art. By selecting ordinary objects and presenting them as art, Dada artists aimed to subvert established ideas about beauty and artistic skill. This anti-art approach highlighted the absurdity of war and the futility of rational thought during tumultuous times, making readymades a powerful tool for Dadaists to convey their disillusionment with contemporary society.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on contemporary art movements beyond Dadaism, including conceptual and pop art.
  • Readymades significantly impacted contemporary art movements such as conceptual and pop art by encouraging artists to explore ideas over traditional forms. In conceptual art, the emphasis on idea over execution mirrors Duchamp's assertion that selection defines artistry. Similarly, pop art utilized everyday objects and commercial imagery to blur the line between high and low culture. The legacy of readymades continues to influence artists today, as they challenge notions of authorship and authenticity within their works.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its absurdity and anti-art sentiments, often using readymades to question artistic conventions.

Surrealism: A cultural movement that sought to release the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often employing unexpected juxtapositions, similar to how readymades challenge conventional aesthetics.

Futurism: An artistic movement that emphasized modernity and technology, celebrating speed and innovation, sometimes incorporating readymades to reflect contemporary life.