Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items that are discovered and repurposed as art, challenging traditional notions of what constitutes a work of art. This practice emphasizes the use of non-art materials to create a dialogue between art and life, often reflecting social, political, or environmental themes. In the context of various art movements, found objects have served as a powerful tool for artists to question the boundaries of art and its relationship with the viewer.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects became prominent in the 1960s with movements like Italian Arte Povera and American Minimalism, which sought to break away from traditional artistic materials.
2. Artists like Joseph Beuys utilized found objects to explore themes of transformation and social commentary, integrating personal narratives into their work.
3. In German Minimalism, artists often embraced found objects as a means to create a direct connection between the artwork and the viewer's experience.
4. The use of found objects allows artists to highlight issues of consumer culture and waste, prompting discussions about sustainability in art practices.
5. Found objects challenge the distinction between high art and low culture by elevating mundane items to the status of art, encouraging viewers to reconsider their perceptions of beauty and meaning.

Review Questions

• How do found objects function within the framework of Italian Arte Povera, and what significance do they hold for this movement?
  • Found objects in Italian Arte Povera serve to emphasize the use of simple materials and challenge the idea of luxury in art. Artists like Mario Merz and Michelangelo Pistoletto used everyday items to create works that connect with the natural environment and address social issues. This practice not only democratizes art but also invites viewers to engage with the material world more critically, reflecting on the cultural implications of consumerism.
• Discuss how Joseph Beuys incorporated found objects in his artwork and the implications this had for his artistic philosophy.
  • Joseph Beuys used found objects to communicate complex ideas about society, politics, and personal experience. His works often included items like felt, fat, or even old furniture, which he infused with historical significance and emotional weight. By utilizing these everyday materials, Beuys challenged traditional notions of art-making while emphasizing his belief in art's potential for social change and healing, reflecting his philosophy that everyone is an artist.
• Evaluate the role of found objects in challenging established norms in both Minimalism and Conceptual Art, considering their impact on contemporary artistic practices.
  • Found objects play a crucial role in challenging established norms in Minimalism and Conceptual Art by questioning what can be considered 'art.' In Minimalism, artists stripped down forms to their essence using everyday materials, emphasizing simplicity while invoking deeper meanings related to context and perception. In Conceptual Art, the focus shifts from the object itself to ideas behind it, using found objects to provoke thought about authorship and value. This approach has influenced contemporary practices by encouraging artists to use accessible materials that resonate with broader cultural dialogues around sustainability and identity.

Related terms

Assemblage: A form of sculpture that combines various objects and materials, including found objects, into a cohesive work of art.

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its embrace of randomness and the use of found objects to challenge artistic conventions.

Readymade: A term coined by Marcel Duchamp to describe everyday objects presented as art, often without alteration, highlighting the artist's concept over craftsmanship.