Found object

Definition

A found object refers to an everyday item that is repurposed or transformed into art. This concept is a key element in both Dadaism and Surrealism, where artists sought to challenge traditional notions of art by utilizing items from the world around them. By incorporating found objects, artists emphasize the idea that art can be made from anything, highlighting the creative potential in ordinary items and disrupting conventional artistic practices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects often reflect the everyday life and societal context of their time, acting as a mirror to cultural values and norms.
2. Dada artists used found objects as a way to reject traditional aesthetics and question the very definition of art itself.
3. In Surrealism, found objects were used to create bizarre combinations that challenged viewers' perceptions and evoked the subconscious.
4. Marcel Duchamp is famously known for his 'readymades,' which are ordinary objects that he designated as art simply by choosing and presenting them in a gallery setting.
5. The incorporation of found objects encourages a dialogue between art and life, blurring the boundaries between artist, object, and audience.

Review Questions

• How did found objects play a role in the Dada movement's challenge to traditional artistic values?
  • In the Dada movement, found objects served as a powerful tool for artists to challenge traditional artistic values by redefining what could be considered art. Dadaists believed that art should not be confined to conventional methods or materials; instead, they embraced everyday items to provoke thought and highlight absurdity. This approach aimed to dismantle preconceived notions about creativity and artistic worth, making viewers reconsider their understanding of art in the modern world.
• Discuss how Surrealist artists utilized found objects to explore the unconscious mind.
  • Surrealist artists incorporated found objects into their work as a way to tap into the unconscious mind and explore dream-like states. By juxtaposing familiar items in unexpected contexts, they created striking visual experiences that disrupted logical thinking. This method encouraged viewers to confront their own subconscious associations and emotions tied to everyday objects, revealing deeper psychological insights and illustrating the Surrealist goal of unlocking creativity beyond rational thought.
• Evaluate the impact of found object art on contemporary artistic practices and its relevance today.
  • Found object art has had a lasting impact on contemporary artistic practices by broadening the scope of what can be considered art. Today, artists continue to experiment with repurposed materials, reflecting societal issues such as consumerism and environmental concerns. The legacy of Dadaism and Surrealism lives on as artists use found objects not only for aesthetic purposes but also to provoke dialogue about culture and identity. This evolution signifies an ongoing challenge to traditional notions of artistry and reinforces the idea that creativity can emerge from any source.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a strong anti-art sentiment, embracing chaos, absurdity, and spontaneity in artistic expression.

Surrealism: An artistic and literary movement that sought to unlock the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often using dream-like imagery and unexpected juxtapositions.

Collage: A technique in art where various materials such as photographs, pieces of paper, fabric, and found objects are assembled together to create a new composition.