Readymades

Definition

Readymades are everyday objects that an artist selects and designates as art, challenging traditional notions of artistic creation and the value of art itself. This concept often reflects a shift in focus from the object's craftsmanship to the artist's intention and context, influencing key conceptual artists and contributing significantly to the development of Pop Art by questioning consumer culture and mass production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is credited with popularizing the concept of readymades in the early 20th century, with his piece 'Fountain,' which was simply a signed urinal.
2. Readymades blur the lines between art and non-art, inviting viewers to reconsider what can be considered art based on context rather than craftsmanship.
3. This approach to art paved the way for future movements, including Pop Art, which similarly embraced everyday objects and consumer culture.
4. Duchamp's readymades were intended to provoke thought about artistic originality and the role of the artist in defining what art is.
5. The concept of readymades is seen as a precursor to modern installations and performance art, emphasizing ideas over physical forms.

Review Questions

• How did readymades challenge traditional views of what constitutes art, and what implications did this have for conceptual artists?
  • Readymades challenged traditional views by positioning everyday objects as art simply through the artist's choice. This shift emphasized that the intention behind an object could elevate it to an artwork, moving away from techniques like painting or sculpture that were traditionally celebrated. For conceptual artists, this opened up new avenues for expression where ideas took precedence over material execution, allowing them to explore themes like identity, culture, and society.
• In what ways did readymades influence the development of Pop Art and its approach to consumer culture?
  • Readymades influenced Pop Art by introducing the idea of incorporating everyday consumer objects into artistic practice. Artists like Andy Warhol drew inspiration from this concept, using commercial products as subjects in their work to reflect and critique consumer culture. The appropriation of mundane items blurs the distinction between high art and popular culture, showcasing how both can coexist and comment on society's values.
• Evaluate how Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades has shaped contemporary artistic practices and discussions surrounding authorship in art.
  • Marcel Duchamp's introduction of readymades has profoundly influenced contemporary artistic practices by challenging established notions of authorship. The idea that an artist's selection can transform a mundane object into a work of art prompts ongoing debates about originality and authenticity in art. Contemporary artists often explore these themes further by incorporating found objects, re-contextualizing them within new narratives, which invites audiences to question not only the nature of art but also the roles and responsibilities of artists in today's society.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its anti-art stance and use of absurdity to challenge established norms and conventions.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the idea or concept behind the work is prioritized over the traditional aesthetic or material aspects of the artwork.

Consumerism:

A social and economic ideology that encourages the acquisition of goods and services in ever-increasing amounts, influencing both art and culture.