Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items that are repurposed or incorporated into art, often emphasizing their original context and transforming them into something new. This concept challenges traditional notions of what constitutes art by blurring the boundaries between art and ordinary life, especially in the realms of Minimalism and Conceptual Art.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects became prominent in the early 20th century with movements like Dadaism, which challenged conventional art practices.
2. In Minimalism, artists often utilized found objects to create works that focused on simplicity and the essence of form rather than individual expression.
3. Conceptual artists embraced found objects as a means to convey ideas rather than aesthetic beauty, emphasizing the importance of the concept behind the work.
4. Artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns incorporated found objects into their work to comment on consumer culture and everyday life.
5. The use of found objects invites viewers to reconsider the value and meaning of materials, encouraging a dialogue between art, context, and perception.

Review Questions

• How do found objects challenge traditional definitions of art in the contexts of Minimalism and Conceptual Art?
  • Found objects challenge traditional definitions of art by shifting focus from aesthetic beauty to the ideas and contexts behind the objects. In Minimalism, artists use these items to strip down artistic expression to its essentials, promoting simplicity. Meanwhile, in Conceptual Art, the emphasis is placed on the concept itself rather than craftsmanship or visual appeal, encouraging audiences to engage with everyday materials in a new way.
• Analyze how artists like Robert Rauschenberg utilized found objects to comment on societal issues during their time.
  • Robert Rauschenberg used found objects to create works that reflected consumer culture and societal issues, effectively blurring the lines between art and life. His incorporation of discarded materials not only highlighted wastefulness but also transformed them into powerful statements about modern existence. By doing so, Rauschenberg invited viewers to reconsider their relationship with everyday items and how they interact with broader cultural narratives.
• Evaluate the impact of Dadaism on later artistic movements, particularly in relation to found objects and their significance in modern art.
  • Dadaism had a profound impact on later artistic movements by introducing the idea that anything could be considered art, especially through the use of found objects. This radical approach paved the way for both Minimalism and Conceptual Art, where artists continued to repurpose ordinary items to provoke thought rather than evoke beauty. The legacy of Dadaism remains significant in modern art as it challenges creators and audiences alike to redefine their understanding of what constitutes artistic value and expression.

Related terms

Assemblage: A three-dimensional work of art created by combining found objects and materials, often reflecting a particular theme or idea.

Readymade: A term coined by Marcel Duchamp to describe ordinary manufactured objects that the artist selected and designated as art.

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its use of found objects and anti-art philosophy, rejecting traditional artistic values.