Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items that artists incorporate into their work, often to create sculptures or mixed media pieces. These objects can be anything from discarded materials to commonplace items that are recontextualized to carry new meanings. The use of found objects allows artists to challenge traditional notions of art by blurring the lines between art and ordinary life, transforming the mundane into something thought-provoking.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects emerged prominently in the early 20th century with artists like Marcel Duchamp, who used readymades to challenge the definition of art.
2. The practice allows artists to tap into the concept of recycling and environmental awareness by reusing materials that might otherwise be discarded.
3. Found objects can evoke nostalgia and personal memories, making them powerful tools for storytelling within artworks.
4. The incorporation of found objects can also reflect societal themes or critique consumer culture by showcasing the value in what is often overlooked.
5. Artists often arrange found objects in a way that encourages viewers to see them from new perspectives, altering their original context and meaning.

Review Questions

• How do found objects contribute to the evolution of contemporary sculpture practices?
  • Found objects have transformed contemporary sculpture by allowing artists to move away from traditional materials like stone or metal. By integrating everyday items into their work, artists can convey complex ideas about society, identity, and the environment. This practice not only expands the definition of sculpture but also encourages viewers to engage with art in more personal and relatable ways.
• Discuss the role of found objects in reflecting societal themes within art. Provide examples to support your answer.
  • Found objects often serve as powerful symbols in reflecting societal themes such as consumerism and environmentalism. For instance, artists like El Anatsui use discarded bottle caps to comment on wastefulness and cultural identity. Similarly, works that incorporate urban debris can critique modern life and highlight issues of poverty and neglect. By choosing these materials, artists invite viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about society.
• Evaluate how the use of found objects can redefine an audience's perception of art and its value. What implications does this have for the future of artistic expression?
  • The use of found objects challenges traditional notions of what constitutes art and its value by promoting the idea that art can be made from anything. This shift allows for greater accessibility in artistic expression, as it democratizes the materials used in art-making. As artists continue to experiment with found objects, it could lead to a broader acceptance of unconventional materials in the art world, encouraging innovation and fostering diverse voices in contemporary practices.

Related terms

Assemblage: A form of sculpture created by combining various found objects and materials into a cohesive artwork, often emphasizing the juxtaposition of different textures and forms.

Readymade: An everyday object that is selected and presented as art, typically without modification, challenging the traditional definitions of art and authorship.

Mixed media: Artworks that utilize a combination of different artistic mediums, such as painting, sculpture, collage, and found objects, to create a layered and complex visual experience.