Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary, everyday object that is presented as art, often chosen and designated by the artist without alteration. This concept challenges traditional notions of what constitutes art, emphasizing the idea that context and intention can elevate an object to artistic status. It plays a critical role in movements that reject traditional aesthetics, suggesting that art can be found in the commonplace and recontextualized through the artist's choice.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The term 'readymade' was popularized by Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century when he presented ordinary objects like a urinal and a bicycle wheel as art.
2. Duchamp's work questioned the definitions and boundaries of art, suggesting that anything could be considered art if selected by the artist.
3. Readymades played a significant role in the Dada movement, which embraced absurdity and challenged traditional artistic values during a time of social upheaval.
4. The use of readymades paved the way for later movements like Pop Art and Conceptual Art, where everyday objects were celebrated for their cultural significance.
5. Readymades invite viewers to reconsider their understanding of art, emphasizing the role of context, choice, and interpretation over technical skill.

Review Questions

• How do readymades challenge traditional notions of art and aesthetics?
  • Readymades challenge traditional notions of art by elevating ordinary objects to artistic status based solely on the artist's selection and intention. This shift emphasizes that art is not solely defined by craftsmanship or beauty but can also emerge from context and concept. By presenting everyday items as art, artists provoke viewers to question what qualifies as art and encourage a broader understanding of creative expression.
• Discuss the impact of Marcel Duchamp's readymades on the Dada movement and its legacy in contemporary art.
  • Marcel Duchamp's readymades were pivotal to the Dada movement as they embraced absurdity and anti-art sentiments, breaking away from traditional forms and techniques. By presenting commonplace objects as art, Duchamp challenged existing norms and encouraged artists to explore new ways of thinking about creativity. This legacy continues in contemporary art practices that often utilize readymades to provoke thought and comment on consumer culture, identity, and the nature of art itself.
• Evaluate how the concept of readymades has influenced modern artistic practices beyond Dada.
  • The concept of readymades has significantly influenced modern artistic practices by fostering an environment where artists feel empowered to repurpose everyday objects for artistic expression. Movements such as Pop Art embraced this idea by incorporating consumer goods into their work to critique mass culture and commodification. Furthermore, contemporary installation artists utilize readymades to create immersive environments that challenge perceptions and engage audiences on multiple levels. Thus, readymades have become foundational in redefining what constitutes art across various genres.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged during World War I, known for its anti-art stance and use of absurdity, chance, and readymades to challenge societal norms and conventions.

Conceptual Art: An art movement where the idea or concept behind the artwork is more important than the finished product itself, often using readymades as a means to convey deeper meanings.

Installation Art: A genre of contemporary art that transforms a space by creating an immersive environment using a variety of materials, often incorporating readymades to alter the viewer's perception.