Found objects

Definition

Found objects refer to everyday items that artists incorporate into their works, elevating them from their original context and giving them new meaning. This practice emerged prominently in the early 20th century, challenging traditional notions of art and encouraging viewers to reconsider the value and significance of common materials. By using these objects, artists can blur the lines between art and life, making statements about consumer culture, identity, and the nature of creativity itself.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hannah Höch is known for her pioneering work in collage, using found objects to critique gender roles and societal norms in her artwork.
2. Decalcomania, a technique used by artists like Max Ernst, often involves applying paint on surfaces and transferring it to create abstract patterns, sometimes incorporating found objects for added texture.
3. In Pop Art, artists utilized found objects as a way to comment on consumer culture and mass production, turning everyday items into iconic representations of modern life.
4. Conceptual artists used found objects to challenge traditional ideas about what constitutes art, often emphasizing the idea behind the object rather than its aesthetic qualities.
5. The use of found objects in these movements reflects a broader shift in the art world towards embracing everyday materials and questioning established artistic practices.

Review Questions

• How did Hannah Höch use found objects in her artwork to challenge societal norms?
  • Hannah Höch incorporated found objects into her collages to critique gender roles and societal expectations during a time when women were often marginalized. By juxtaposing images and materials from popular culture with personal narratives, she created powerful visual statements that highlighted the complexities of identity and femininity. This innovative approach not only transformed ordinary items into compelling art but also made bold social commentary on women's rights and representation.
• Discuss how the use of found objects in Pop Art reflects cultural attitudes towards consumerism.
  • Found objects played a significant role in Pop Art as artists sought to explore and critique the burgeoning consumer culture of the mid-20th century. By integrating everyday items into their artworks, they highlighted the blurring lines between high art and mass-produced goods. This approach not only celebrated popular culture but also provoked critical discussions about consumerism's impact on identity and values within society.
• Evaluate the impact of using found objects on the evolution of artistic practices in the 20th century.
  • The integration of found objects marked a pivotal shift in artistic practices during the 20th century, challenging conventional definitions of art. Artists began to question the value placed on traditional materials and techniques, opting instead for everyday items that carried personal or social significance. This evolution paved the way for movements such as Dadaism and Conceptual Art, where the idea behind the work often took precedence over its physical form. Ultimately, this change fostered a more inclusive understanding of art that resonates with contemporary practices today.

Related terms

Readymade: A type of artwork created by taking an ordinary manufactured object and designating it as art, famously associated with Marcel Duchamp.

Collage: An art form that involves assembling different materials, such as paper, photographs, and found objects, into a single composition.

Assemblage: A three-dimensional composition made from a variety of found objects or materials that are arranged together to create a new artwork.