Found object art

Definition

Found object art is a movement that involves using everyday objects that are not typically considered art to create new artworks. This practice highlights the transformation of ordinary items into art by giving them new meaning and context, often reflecting ideas of pastiche and appropriation as artists recontextualize objects from popular culture or previous artistic works.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found object art gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly within movements like Dada and Surrealism, where artists sought to challenge conventional definitions of art.
2. Marcel Duchamp is often credited with pioneering found object art through his piece 'Fountain', which was a urinal he submitted to an exhibition, sparking debates about what constitutes art.
3. The use of found objects allows artists to comment on consumer culture, environmental issues, and social themes by elevating discarded or overlooked items into the realm of fine art.
4. Artists like Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns utilized found objects in their work to create collages and assemblages that blur the lines between painting and sculpture.
5. In contemporary art, found object art continues to thrive, with artists using technology and mixed media to explore themes of identity, history, and cultural commentary.

Review Questions

• How does found object art challenge traditional definitions of what constitutes art?
  • Found object art challenges traditional definitions of art by incorporating everyday items into artistic practice, thus questioning the boundaries between art and non-art. By selecting ordinary objects and presenting them in a new context, artists encourage viewers to reconsider their perceptions of value and meaning in art. This practice often aligns with movements like Dada, which sought to disrupt conventional aesthetics and provoke thought about the role of the artist and audience.
• Discuss the relationship between found object art and appropriation in contemporary artistic practices.
  • The relationship between found object art and appropriation is significant in contemporary artistic practices as both involve recontextualizing existing materials. Found object artists often take items from popular culture or everyday life, transforming their meanings while commenting on societal norms. Appropriation further complicates this dialogue by allowing artists to engage with previous artworks or cultural symbols, creating layers of interpretation that reflect broader discussions about originality, authenticity, and cultural commentary.
• Evaluate the impact of found object art on consumer culture and environmental awareness within modern artistic movements.
  • Found object art has had a profound impact on consumer culture and environmental awareness by addressing issues related to waste, consumption, and sustainability. Artists using found objects often highlight the disposability of modern life while promoting the idea that beauty can be found in discarded materials. This practice encourages viewers to rethink their relationship with consumer goods and consider the environmental consequences of mass production, thus fostering a dialogue around ecological responsibility within the context of modern artistic movements.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its rejection of traditional aesthetics and embrace of absurdity, often using found objects in its works.

Assemblage: An artistic process that involves combining various found objects and materials into a cohesive work, creating a three-dimensional piece that reflects multiple meanings.

Appropriation:

The act of taking existing artistic elements or styles from one context and reusing them in a new work, often to comment on or critique the original source.