Readymades

Definition

Readymades are ordinary manufactured objects that an artist selects and designates as art, challenging traditional notions of artistic creation and value. This concept emerged prominently in the early 20th century, particularly associated with the Dada movement, as artists sought to question established norms in art and society. Readymades provoke thought about the role of the artist, the definition of art, and the context in which art exists.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is credited with popularizing the readymade concept through works like 'Fountain,' which was a urinal he submitted for exhibition in 1917.
2. Readymades challenge the notion of originality in art, emphasizing that selection and context can be as significant as the creation process itself.
3. The idea of readymades ties closely to the Surrealist movement, as they often play with chance and the unconscious mind, disrupting conventional interpretations.
4. Duchamp's readymades influenced later movements such as Conceptual Art and Pop Art by encouraging artists to think outside traditional media.
5. The philosophical implications of readymades extend to debates on consumer culture and mass production in modern society.

Review Questions

• How did Duchamp's introduction of readymades influence the perception of what constitutes art?
  • Duchamp's introduction of readymades fundamentally changed how people perceive art by blurring the lines between ordinary objects and artistic expression. By selecting commonplace items and presenting them as art, he prompted audiences to question the criteria for artistic value and originality. This shift encouraged a more inclusive understanding of art, where context and intention became equally important as technique and craftsmanship.
• Analyze how readymades connect to broader themes within Modernism and the Avant-Garde movements.
  • Readymades are a significant aspect of Modernism and Avant-Garde movements as they embody a radical departure from traditional artistic practices. They reflect a growing skepticism towards established values and conventions in society. This questioning aligns with other avant-garde tendencies that seek to disrupt norms, provoke thought, and embrace innovation. The use of readymades highlights a collective push towards redefining art’s role in a rapidly changing world.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on contemporary art practices and their relevance in today's cultural landscape.
  • Readymades have had a lasting impact on contemporary art practices by laying the groundwork for movements like Conceptual Art and installation art. Today, artists continue to explore themes of appropriation and context, often using found objects or everyday materials to challenge viewers' perceptions. This ongoing relevance speaks to the enduring influence of Duchamp's ideas about creativity, value, and the nature of art in an era characterized by consumerism and mass production.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its rejection of traditional aesthetics and embracing absurdity and irrationality.

Conceptual Art:

An art form where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished art object itself.

Appropriation: The practice of taking existing objects or artworks and recontextualizing them to create new meanings within an artistic framework.