Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an everyday object that an artist has selected and designated as art, often challenging traditional notions of artistic creativity and authorship. This concept emphasizes the idea that the context and intention behind the object's presentation transform its meaning, connecting to performance art, the dematerialization of art objects, and the evolution of artistic practices in later movements.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is widely credited with popularizing the readymade concept through works like 'Fountain,' which was a signed urinal that questioned what constitutes art.
2. Readymades blur the lines between art and everyday life, encouraging viewers to reconsider their preconceived notions about artistic intent and creativity.
3. The selection of a readymade often involves a performative act by the artist, making the process of choosing as significant as the object itself.
4. Readymades paved the way for later movements like Conceptual Art, where the idea takes precedence over the tangible artwork.
5. The concept of readymades contributed to the dematerialization of the art object by shifting focus away from traditional craftsmanship and towards ideas and context.

Review Questions

• How do readymades challenge traditional concepts of authorship and creativity in art?
  • Readymades challenge traditional notions of authorship by removing the necessity for artists to create objects through skillful craftsmanship. Instead, an artist's role becomes one of selection and presentation, asking viewers to consider what qualifies as art. This shift emphasizes that context, intention, and viewer perception play crucial roles in defining artwork, effectively redefining artistic value and originality.
• In what ways did Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades influence performance art and conceptual practices?
  • Duchamp's readymades set a precedent for performance art and conceptual practices by prioritizing ideas over physical forms. Artists like Vito Acconci and Marina Abramović drew from this approach, using their bodies as instruments to convey concepts rather than creating traditional artworks. This influence can be seen in how they integrated viewer interaction into their performances, echoing Duchamp's belief that context transforms meaning.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on the evolution of Postminimalism and Neo-Conceptualism.
  • Readymades significantly influenced Postminimalism and Neo-Conceptualism by encouraging artists to embrace materials and concepts outside traditional boundaries. These movements often reflect Duchamp's ethos by incorporating found objects and focusing on intellectual engagement rather than mere aesthetic appeal. The legacy of readymades can be observed in contemporary art practices where artists challenge conventional definitions of beauty and craft while pushing societal norms through subversive means.

Related terms

Dadaism: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by a strong anti-art sentiment and a focus on absurdity and spontaneity.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the work is more important than the physical object itself, often using language, documentation, or performance as mediums.

Postmodernism: A broad movement that emerged in the late 20th century, rejecting the certainty and values of modernism, often embracing irony, playfulness, and a mix of different styles and media.