Found objects

Definition

Found objects are everyday items that artists repurpose or incorporate into their work to create new meaning and challenge traditional concepts of art. This approach emphasizes the value of ordinary materials, transforming them into significant pieces through context and presentation. Found objects can highlight themes of appropriation, materiality, and the intersection of art and life.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found objects gained prominence in the early 20th century, particularly with the Dada movement, which sought to challenge artistic norms.
2. Artists like Pablo Picasso and Marcel Duchamp were pioneers in using found objects, creating works that questioned the definition of art.
3. The use of found objects allows artists to connect their work with social commentary, drawing attention to consumerism and environmental issues.
4. In Post-Minimalism, found objects are often incorporated to emphasize the tactile quality of materials and the process of making.
5. Fluxus artists embraced found objects as a means to blur the lines between high art and everyday life, creating interactive and experiential art.

Review Questions

• How did the use of found objects by artists influence the concept of appropriation in contemporary art?
  • The use of found objects has significantly influenced appropriation in contemporary art by allowing artists to repurpose everyday materials in ways that challenge traditional notions of originality and creativity. By taking something mundane and integrating it into their work, artists comment on consumer culture and the value placed on artistic materials. This practice not only broadens the definition of what can be considered art but also encourages viewers to rethink their perceptions of value and meaning within artistic expression.
• Discuss how found objects reflect the principles of Post-Minimalism in their use and presentation within artworks.
  • Found objects embody Post-Minimalism by emphasizing materiality and the physical process of making art. Rather than relying solely on traditional art materials, artists utilize everyday items to create works that engage with viewers on a sensory level. This approach highlights the textures and forms of the objects themselves while inviting viewers to consider the story behind each piece. By incorporating found objects, artists also connect their works to broader social issues, reinforcing Post-Minimalist ideals that seek to break down barriers between art and life.
• Analyze how found objects were utilized in Fluxus performances and what this says about the movement's philosophy towards art.
  • In Fluxus performances, found objects were utilized as tools for spontaneity and audience engagement, reflecting the movement's philosophy that art should be accessible and part of everyday life. By incorporating items from daily existence into their performances, Fluxus artists challenged traditional artistic hierarchies and blurred the boundaries between artist, artwork, and audience. This approach underscores Fluxus's emphasis on process over product, inviting participants to experience art as an active participant rather than passive observers. The use of found objects thus reinforces the idea that creativity can emerge from any context, democratizing artistic expression.

Related terms

Readymade: A type of artwork created by taking a commonplace object and presenting it as art, famously used by Marcel Duchamp.

Assemblage: A three-dimensional composition made by combining various found objects, often creating a narrative or thematic expression.

Collage: An artistic composition made by combining different forms, such as photographs, paper, and found objects, layered together to create a new whole.