Found materials

Definition

Found materials refer to everyday objects and items that artists repurpose or incorporate into their artwork, often challenging traditional notions of art-making. This practice allows contemporary artists to draw from their surroundings, using items that carry personal or cultural significance, thereby creating a dialogue between the ordinary and the artistic. In the context of Abstract Expressionism's legacy, found materials highlight spontaneity, experimentation, and the embrace of unconventional forms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found materials gained prominence in the mid-20th century as artists sought to break away from traditional artistic practices and explore new creative avenues.
2. Artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns were pivotal in incorporating found materials into their work, influencing the direction of contemporary art.
3. The use of found materials can convey social commentary, personal narratives, or collective histories, transforming mundane objects into meaningful symbols.
4. This practice encourages viewers to reconsider their relationship with everyday items and recognize the artistry in the commonplace.
5. Found materials contribute to sustainability in art by promoting recycling and reusing objects that might otherwise be discarded.

Review Questions

• How do found materials enhance the themes present in contemporary artwork inspired by Abstract Expressionism?
  • Found materials enhance themes of spontaneity, individuality, and the connection to personal experience in contemporary artwork inspired by Abstract Expressionism. By incorporating everyday objects, artists challenge the boundaries of traditional art forms and create works that resonate on deeper emotional levels. This approach mirrors the improvisational techniques of Abstract Expressionists while also reflecting on societal issues and personal narratives embedded in these repurposed items.
• In what ways do artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns redefine the concept of art through their use of found materials?
  • Artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns redefine art by blurring the lines between everyday life and artistic expression through their innovative use of found materials. They elevate ordinary objects to the status of art, prompting viewers to question what constitutes 'high' art versus 'low' culture. Their works often combine visual elements with commentary on consumerism, identity, and experience, ultimately expanding the definition of what art can be and how it can communicate.
• Evaluate the impact of incorporating found materials on the perception of artistic value in contemporary art practices.
  • Incorporating found materials has significantly shifted perceptions of artistic value in contemporary practices by democratizing art-making and challenging elitist notions tied to traditional media. By using accessible objects, artists invite a broader audience to engage with their work, encouraging interpretations based on personal experiences rather than just technical skill. This approach fosters an inclusive understanding of art's purpose—emphasizing meaning over method—and highlights how creativity can arise from everyday life, transforming mundane items into powerful statements.

Related terms

Assemblage: A three-dimensional artistic form that combines various found objects and materials into a cohesive work of art.

Collage: An artistic technique where various forms, such as paper, photographs, and other materials, are assembled together to create a new whole.

Mixed Media: An art technique that involves combining different artistic mediums and materials in a single artwork, often including found objects.