Found objects

Definition

Found objects refer to everyday items that artists repurpose or recontextualize into artworks, transforming their original meaning and function. This practice challenges traditional notions of art by blurring the boundaries between art and life, emphasizing spontaneity, and embracing chance. The use of found objects became especially prominent within movements like Dada, which sought to disrupt conventional artistic standards and provoke thought through absurdity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects were central to the Dada movement, which emerged in the early 20th century as a reaction against the horrors of World War I and traditional art forms.
2. Marcel Duchamp's 'Fountain,' a urinal presented as art, is one of the most famous examples of a found object that challenged societal norms about what constitutes art.
3. Artists used found objects to critique consumer culture, highlighting issues of mass production and the loss of individuality.
4. The incorporation of found objects allowed for greater accessibility in art-making, as anyone could create art using everyday items they encountered.
5. The Dada philosophy encouraged artists to embrace randomness and chance, which is reflected in their selection and presentation of found objects.

Review Questions

• How did the use of found objects in Dada challenge conventional artistic practices?
  • The use of found objects in Dada fundamentally challenged traditional artistic practices by subverting established definitions of art. By selecting ordinary items and presenting them as art, Dadaists questioned what could be considered worthy of artistic expression. This act blurred the lines between art and everyday life, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty and value in art.
• In what ways did found objects serve as a medium for social and political commentary within the Dada movement?
  • Found objects served as powerful tools for social and political commentary within the Dada movement by highlighting the absurdity of contemporary society and consumer culture. Artists repurposed everyday items to critique the values associated with mass production and commercialization. This approach allowed them to confront viewers with the stark contrast between art's perceived seriousness and the triviality of ordinary life, ultimately provoking deeper reflections on societal norms.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of found object art on contemporary artistic practices and its relevance in today's society.
  • The lasting impact of found object art on contemporary artistic practices can be seen in how many modern artists continue to use everyday materials to convey messages about identity, culture, and environment. This approach remains relevant today as it reflects ongoing societal issues such as consumerism and sustainability. Found object art encourages creativity from unexpected sources while inviting audiences to engage with the meanings behind familiar items, maintaining its relevance in both artistic discourse and social critique.

Related terms

Readymade: A type of artwork created from found objects, typically industrially produced items, selected and designated as art by the artist.

Collage: An artistic technique that involves assembling various materials, such as photographs, paper, and found objects, to create a new composition.

Assemblage: A three-dimensional form of collage where artists combine various found objects and materials to create a unified artwork.