Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary manufactured object that an artist selects and designates as art, often challenging the traditional notions of what constitutes art. This concept became a key element in the Dada movement, pushing boundaries and provoking thought by presenting everyday items in an artistic context, questioning the value of craftsmanship and originality.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of readymades was popularized by Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century, fundamentally altering perceptions of art.
2. Duchamp's 'Fountain,' a urinal signed with a pseudonym, is one of the most famous readymades and was initially rejected from an art exhibition.
3. Readymades challenge traditional artistic values by emphasizing the artist's choice over craftsmanship and originality.
4. The Dada movement embraced absurdity and randomness, using readymades as a tool to critique societal norms and expectations surrounding art.
5. Readymades laid the groundwork for later art movements like Pop Art and Conceptual Art, influencing how artists approach materiality and authorship.

Review Questions

• How did Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades challenge traditional definitions of art during the Dada movement?
  • Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades fundamentally challenged traditional definitions of art by asserting that an ordinary object could be considered art simply by the artist's designation. This shift placed emphasis on the concept behind the work rather than technical skill or aesthetic beauty. Duchamp's provocative pieces, like 'Fountain,' forced viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about what could qualify as art, igniting debates that are still relevant today.
• Discuss the role of readymades in the Dada movement's critique of societal norms and conventions related to art.
  • Readymades played a crucial role in the Dada movement's critique of societal norms and conventions by embracing absurdity and anti-art sentiments. By presenting everyday objects as art, Dada artists sought to undermine established artistic values and challenge the commercialization of art. This act of defiance highlighted how art could exist beyond traditional boundaries and served as a radical commentary on a society that they viewed as chaotic and meaningless following World War I.
• Evaluate the lasting impact of readymades on contemporary art practices and how they have influenced current perceptions of authorship and materiality.
  • The lasting impact of readymades on contemporary art practices is significant, as they have reshaped how artists approach authorship and materiality. Today, artists continue to explore found objects and everyday materials, blurring the lines between art and life. The emphasis on concept over craftsmanship encourages viewers to engage with ideas rather than mere aesthetics. This evolution reflects broader cultural shifts towards valuing individual perspective and experience in art-making, making readymades a foundational element in understanding modern artistic expressions.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its anti-art stance and rejection of conventional aesthetic standards.

Marcel Duchamp: A French-American artist associated with Dadaism, best known for his influential readymades, including 'Fountain,' which sparked debates about the definition of art.

Conceptual Art: An art form where the idea behind the artwork is more important than the finished product, often overlapping with the principles of readymades.