Readymade

Definition

A readymade is an ordinary, often mass-produced object that is presented as art simply by the artist's choice to display it in an artistic context. This concept challenges traditional notions of what constitutes art, emphasizing the idea that the artist's intent and context can transform everyday items into meaningful artistic expressions. In the realm of Surrealism, readymades can serve to provoke thought and challenge reality, aligning with the movement's focus on the unconscious and dream-like states.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Marcel Duchamp is widely credited with popularizing the concept of readymades in the early 20th century through works like 'Fountain,' a urinal presented as art.
2. Readymades blur the line between art and everyday objects, prompting viewers to reconsider their perceptions of creativity and artistic value.
3. In Surrealism, readymades were used to challenge conventional thought, allowing artists to juxtapose ordinary items in ways that provoke new interpretations and meanings.
4. The use of readymades reflects a shift in artistic practice towards conceptual art, where the idea behind the artwork becomes as important as the physical object itself.
5. Readymades continue to influence contemporary artists who seek to question societal norms and definitions of art by integrating common objects into their work.

Review Questions

• How did Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades influence the perception of what can be considered art?
  • Marcel Duchamp's use of readymades fundamentally altered perceptions of art by suggesting that any object could be deemed art if chosen by an artist. His famous work 'Fountain,' a urinal displayed as art, challenged traditional artistic values and criteria for beauty and craftsmanship. This radical approach opened doors for future movements like Surrealism, where artists explored concepts rather than mere aesthetics.
• Discuss how readymades relate to Surrealist themes of dream imagery and the unconscious mind.
  • Readymades are closely related to Surrealist themes as they challenge rationality and traditional aesthetics, much like dream imagery disrupts logical thought. By presenting everyday objects in an artistic framework, Surrealists used readymades to provoke subconscious associations and invite viewers to explore deeper meanings. This alignment with the exploration of the unconscious further emphasizes Surrealism's goal of transcending ordinary reality.
• Evaluate the impact of readymades on contemporary art practices and their relevance today.
  • Readymades have had a profound impact on contemporary art practices by expanding the definition of what constitutes art and encouraging artists to engage with societal norms critically. Today, many artists incorporate found objects into their work, continuing Duchamp's legacy by questioning consumer culture and artistic authenticity. The ongoing relevance of readymades highlights a shift toward conceptual art where ideas reign supreme over traditional craftsmanship, prompting audiences to reconsider their assumptions about creativity.

Related terms

Dada: An avant-garde art movement that emerged in the early 20th century, known for its anti-art stance and embrace of absurdity, often using readymades to critique conventional art.

Surrealism: A cultural movement that sought to unleash the creative potential of the unconscious mind, often employing dream imagery and bizarre juxtapositions, including readymades.

Contextualization: The process of placing an object or artwork within a specific context or framework to enhance its meaning, which is crucial in understanding readymades as art.