Found materials

Definition

Found materials refer to objects that are repurposed or transformed into art, often taken from everyday life and the environment. These materials are significant in artistic practice as they challenge traditional notions of art by incorporating elements of the ordinary and highlighting sustainability and resourcefulness. Artists use found materials to create unique expressions that reflect their surroundings and convey messages about culture, identity, and social issues.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Found materials can include anything from discarded items like cardboard and metal scraps to natural elements such as stones and wood, making them versatile for artistic expression.
2. The use of found materials is often associated with movements like Dadaism and Surrealism, which sought to challenge the conventions of art and embrace randomness.
3. Artists who work with found materials often promote environmental awareness by reusing items that would otherwise contribute to waste and pollution.
4. In contemporary art, found materials allow for a connection between the artwork and the viewer's experience, as these materials can evoke memories or shared cultural references.
5. Many street artists utilize found materials in their work to blend into urban environments, using them to create installations or murals that engage with the local community.

Review Questions

• How do found materials expand the definition of what can be considered art?
  • Found materials expand the definition of art by incorporating everyday objects into artistic practices, challenging traditional boundaries between high art and craft. By using items that are often overlooked or deemed as trash, artists create pieces that reflect their environment and culture. This practice encourages viewers to rethink their perceptions of beauty and value in art, making it more accessible and relatable.
• In what ways do artists use found materials to address social or environmental issues in their work?
  • Artists utilize found materials to address social and environmental issues by highlighting themes such as consumerism, waste reduction, and sustainability. By repurposing discarded items, they raise awareness about wastefulness in society and encourage viewers to reconsider their consumption habits. This approach not only creates a dialogue about pressing issues but also showcases the potential for creativity within constraints.
• Evaluate the impact of found materials on contemporary artistic movements and their role in community engagement.
  • The impact of found materials on contemporary artistic movements is significant as they foster innovation and dialogue within communities. Artists using found objects often engage directly with their surroundings, creating works that resonate with local experiences and histories. This practice not only enriches public spaces but also encourages community participation in the artistic process, allowing individuals to connect with art on a personal level and empowering them to see art as an integral part of their environment.

Related terms

Assemblage: A form of art that involves creating three-dimensional compositions by combining various found objects and materials.

Collage: An artistic technique that combines different forms, such as paper, photographs, and fabric, to create a new composition, often utilizing found materials.

Upcycling: The process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or environmental value.