Ready-mades

Definition

Ready-mades are ordinary, mass-produced objects that an artist selects and presents as art, challenging traditional notions of creativity and authorship. This concept questions the value and meaning of art by elevating everyday items to artistic status, allowing artists like Max Ernst and Joan Miró to explore new dimensions of surrealism and abstraction within their works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is credited with popularizing the concept of ready-mades in the early 20th century, particularly with works like 'Fountain', which was simply a urinal presented as art.
2. Max Ernst used ready-mades to blur the lines between reality and imagination, incorporating them into his paintings and collages to provoke thought and challenge viewers' perceptions.
3. Joan Miró’s work often included everyday objects that he transformed through abstraction, utilizing ready-mades to create a sense of whimsy and spontaneity.
4. Ready-mades reflect a shift in artistic focus from the artist's craftsmanship to the act of selection, emphasizing the idea that context can redefine an object's meaning.
5. The use of ready-mades by artists contributed to the broader dialogue about what constitutes art, influencing subsequent movements like Pop Art and Conceptual Art.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of ready-mades influence the works of Max Ernst?
  • Max Ernst utilized ready-mades to challenge traditional artistic practices by integrating everyday objects into his works. This approach allowed him to explore surrealist themes by juxtaposing familiar items in unexpected ways. By doing so, Ernst created a new context for these objects, inviting viewers to reconsider their meanings and relationships within his artistic universe.
• In what ways did Joan Miró's incorporation of ready-mades reflect his artistic philosophy?
  • Joan Miró’s use of ready-mades illustrated his desire to break free from conventional artistic constraints. He transformed everyday objects into abstract forms, emphasizing spontaneity and imagination in his work. This approach resonated with his overall philosophy that art should evoke emotions and provoke thought, rather than adhere strictly to realistic representation.
• Evaluate the impact of ready-mades on the evolution of modern art movements beyond Dada and Surrealism.
  • The introduction of ready-mades significantly impacted modern art movements such as Pop Art and Conceptual Art by questioning established definitions of art and authorship. Artists began to see value in everyday objects as vehicles for artistic expression, which led to innovative approaches in both visual arts and performance. This shift fostered a broader dialogue about consumer culture and the role of the artist in society, paving the way for diverse interpretations and practices that continue to influence contemporary art today.

Related terms

Dada:

An art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a rejection of logic and reason, often using absurdity and anti-art principles.

Surrealism:

An artistic movement that sought to unlock the unconscious mind through dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions, often incorporating elements of fantasy and irrationality.

Collage: A technique involving the assemblage of various materials, such as photographs, paper, or fabric, into a single artwork, often creating new meanings through juxtaposition.