Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items or materials repurposed and integrated into artworks, transforming their original context and meaning. This practice emphasizes the idea of art as an assemblage, blurring the lines between fine art and ordinary life. Artists often use found objects to challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art, highlighting themes of consumerism, culture, and identity.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Robert Rauschenberg's Combines blend painting and sculpture by incorporating found objects like old furniture and discarded items, making them central to his Neo-Dada approach.
2. The Great American Nude series utilizes found objects in creative ways to address themes of sexuality and the body, challenging societal norms about beauty and representation.
3. Wesselmann often used collage techniques involving found objects to create layered compositions that reflect consumer culture and the female form.
4. The use of found objects allows artists to comment on mass production and the disposable nature of contemporary society.
5. Found objects play a significant role in making art more accessible by using materials that are familiar to everyday life, creating a dialogue between the viewer and the artwork.

Review Questions

• How do found objects in Robert Rauschenberg's Combines contribute to the overall meaning of his work?
  • In Robert Rauschenberg's Combines, found objects serve as a means to bridge the gap between painting and sculpture, effectively challenging conventional artistic boundaries. By incorporating everyday items like chairs, newspapers, and fabric into his works, Rauschenberg creates a dialogue about consumerism and the intersection of art with daily life. This approach not only reinvents the significance of these objects but also invites viewers to reconsider their perceptions of value and creativity.
• What themes are explored through the use of found objects in The Great American Nude series?
  • In The Great American Nude series, found objects are used to explore complex themes surrounding sexuality, identity, and societal norms. The incorporation of everyday items emphasizes the contrast between the idealized portrayal of the human form and the realities of contemporary culture. By juxtaposing these elements, artists provoke viewers to reflect on their own perceptions of beauty and the commodification of bodies within a consumer-driven society.
• Evaluate the impact of Wesselmann's collage techniques with found objects on contemporary art practices.
  • Wesselmann's innovative use of collage techniques involving found objects has significantly influenced contemporary art practices by encouraging artists to embrace everyday materials as legitimate forms of artistic expression. This approach has led to a broader acceptance of mixed media and assemblage in modern artworks. By challenging traditional artistic mediums, Wesselmann's work prompts discussions about authenticity, consumer culture, and the role of mass-produced items in shaping our visual landscape, ultimately redefining what constitutes art in today's society.

Related terms

Assemblage: A technique in which various elements, often found objects, are combined to create a three-dimensional artwork.

Collage: An artistic composition made by gluing various materials, such as paper or photographs, together to form a new whole.

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of traditional aesthetics and an embrace of absurdity, often utilizing found objects.