Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary, often mass-produced object that an artist selects and designates as art, transforming its context and meaning. This concept challenges traditional notions of artistic creation by emphasizing the idea over craftsmanship, and it was a significant part of the Dada movement, which aimed to subvert established artistic norms and societal conventions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The readymade originated in the early 20th century, when Marcel Duchamp first presented ordinary objects as art to provoke thought about what constitutes art.
2. One of Duchamp's most famous readymades is 'Fountain,' a urinal turned upside down and signed 'R. Mutt,' which sparked controversy and debate within the art community.
3. Readymades embody a rejection of traditional artistic skill, suggesting that the artist's selection and intention can be enough to create meaning.
4. Dadaists used readymades to subvert societal norms and question the purpose of art, reflecting their disillusionment with the chaos of World War I.
5. The concept of readymades has influenced numerous contemporary art movements, including pop art and conceptual art, by encouraging artists to rethink the boundaries of creativity.

Review Questions

• How did the concept of readymades challenge traditional definitions of art during the Dada movement?
  • Readymades challenged traditional definitions of art by shifting the focus from skilled craftsmanship to the artist's intent and context. By selecting everyday objects and presenting them as art, artists like Marcel Duchamp questioned what could be considered art. This radical approach disrupted established norms and encouraged viewers to reconsider their perceptions of artistic value.
• Discuss the role of Marcel Duchamp in popularizing readymades and how his works contributed to Dada's objectives.
  • Marcel Duchamp played a pivotal role in popularizing readymades, using them as a tool to convey Dada's anti-art sentiments. His works, such as 'Fountain,' exemplified how mundane objects could provoke intellectual debate about art's purpose and value. By presenting these objects in an artistic context, Duchamp effectively highlighted Dada's objective to undermine conventional aesthetics and challenge societal expectations surrounding art.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on contemporary art practices and their relevance in today's artistic landscape.
  • Readymades have had a profound impact on contemporary art practices by blurring the lines between art and everyday life. They paved the way for movements like conceptual art and pop art, where the idea often takes precedence over material execution. Today, readymades continue to inspire artists to question established norms, encouraging innovative approaches that redefine creativity and expand our understanding of what art can be.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its anti-art stance and rejection of traditional aesthetic values.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished product or physical artwork itself.

Marcel Duchamp: A French-American artist closely associated with the Dada movement, known for his influential readymades, such as 'Fountain,' which challenged the definition of art.