Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items or materials that artists incorporate into their work, often challenging traditional notions of art and aesthetics. By using these objects, artists can evoke deeper meanings, question consumer culture, and break down the boundaries between art and life. This approach emphasizes the importance of context and the idea that art can be made from anything around us.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kurt Schwitters is famous for his Merz works, which creatively use discarded materials and found objects to express the chaos of modern life.
2. Readymades were pioneered by Marcel Duchamp, who transformed everyday items into art by simply designating them as such, challenging the very definition of what art can be.
3. Robert Rauschenberg's Combines merged painting with found objects, blurring the lines between different artistic mediums and creating a new language for contemporary art.
4. Damien Hirst's use of found objects often includes medical paraphernalia and animal remains, provoking thought about life, death, and consumerism.
5. Allan Kaprow's Happenings utilized everyday materials in performance art, emphasizing the role of participation and the ephemeral nature of art.

Review Questions

• How did Kurt Schwitters utilize found objects in his Merz works to convey themes of modernity?
  • Kurt Schwitters used found objects in his Merz works to capture the essence of modern life by assembling discarded materials into meaningful compositions. His approach reflected the chaos and fragmentation of contemporary society following World War I. By incorporating everyday items, Schwitters not only challenged traditional art forms but also highlighted the value and potential beauty of things often overlooked.
• In what ways did Marcel Duchamp's concept of readymades influence the perception of found objects in art?
  • Marcel Duchamp's introduction of readymades fundamentally shifted how people viewed found objects within the art world. By designating ordinary items as art simply by placing them in a gallery context, Duchamp questioned artistic originality and the nature of creativity. This radical approach encouraged subsequent artists to explore the potential of everyday materials as legitimate components of artistic expression, ultimately expanding the boundaries of what could be considered art.
• Discuss how Robert Rauschenberg's Combines reflect a shift in artistic practices concerning found objects and their meanings.
  • Robert Rauschenberg's Combines represent a significant shift in artistic practices by integrating found objects with painting in innovative ways. His work blurred the lines between different mediums, making a statement about the interconnectedness of art and life. Through this approach, Rauschenberg challenged viewers to reconsider their understanding of aesthetics and narrative in art. By merging disparate elements from everyday life into cohesive pieces, he opened up new avenues for exploring meaning and context in contemporary art.

Related terms

Assemblage: A three-dimensional artistic composition made from putting together found objects or various materials in a way that creates a new visual statement.

Collage: An artistic technique where various materials, such as photographs, paper, and found objects, are combined to create a new work of art, emphasizing texture and composition.

Dadaism: An avant-garde movement in art and literature that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its use of absurdity and rejection of traditional artistic values, often employing found objects.