Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary manufactured object that an artist has selected and designated as art, challenging traditional notions of creativity and craftsmanship. This concept plays a pivotal role in redefining art in the modern context, highlighting the idea that the artist's intention and choice can transform everyday objects into meaningful artistic statements. Readymades encourage viewers to reconsider the nature of art and its boundaries, often provoking thought about the relationship between art and society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'readymade' was coined by Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century, notably with his work 'Fountain' in 1917, which sparked discussions about what constitutes art.
2. Readymades often challenge the traditional notions of craftsmanship by presenting mass-produced items as high art.
3. This concept played a crucial role in the Dada movement, which embraced absurdity and anti-art principles, reflecting a response to the chaos of World War I.
4. Readymades have influenced various contemporary art movements, particularly Conceptual Art, where ideas take precedence over physical artworks.
5. The selection process in creating a readymade emphasizes the role of the artist as an active participant in defining and questioning artistic value.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of readymades change perceptions of what could be considered art?
  • The introduction of readymades fundamentally altered perceptions of art by challenging traditional definitions tied to craftsmanship and originality. By presenting everyday objects as art through intentional selection, artists like Marcel Duchamp forced viewers to reconsider the boundaries of artistic creation. This shift encouraged a broader understanding of art, allowing for diverse interpretations and blurring lines between high culture and everyday life.
• Discuss the relationship between readymades and the Dada movement, highlighting how they embody Dadaist principles.
  • Readymades are deeply connected to the Dada movement, which emerged as a reaction to the devastation of World War I. Dadaists embraced absurdity and sought to subvert established artistic norms, making readymades an ideal embodiment of these principles. By repurposing ordinary objects into artworks, they challenged societal expectations and questioned the very purpose of art. The movement's focus on anti-art sentiments made readymades a powerful tool for critiquing cultural values and conventions.
• Evaluate how the concept of readymades has influenced contemporary art practices and discussions about authorship.
  • The concept of readymades has had a profound influence on contemporary art practices, particularly in discussions surrounding authorship and originality. Artists today frequently utilize found objects to explore themes related to consumer culture and identity, echoing Duchamp's radical ideas. This approach raises critical questions about who owns artistic value when everyday items can be transformed into art through mere intention. Consequently, readymades continue to provoke dialogue about creativity, meaning, and the evolving nature of artistic expression in a postmodern context.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its anti-art sentiments and use of absurdity, aiming to challenge conventional aesthetic values.

Conceptual Art: A movement where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the finished art object itself, often using readymades as a basis for exploration.

Marcel Duchamp: An influential artist who is credited with popularizing the readymade concept through works like 'Fountain,' which featured a urinal presented as art.