Why Are Readymades Significant to the History of Art?

Art|Art History

Readymades have been a major influence on the history of art, and are seen as one of the key contributions of the 20th century. Readymades are ordinary manufactured objects that are chosen by the artist and displayed or installed in an artistic setting.

They were first introduced by Marcel Duchamp in 1915, when he exhibited a bicycle wheel mounted on a stool at the New York City gallery. This work, called ‘Bicycle Wheel’, is seen as the first readymade ever created and it opened up a new world of possibilities for artists.

Readymades challenged traditional notions of what is considered art, and ushered in a new era where everyday objects could be presented as works of art. This opened up immense possibilities for experimentation and new forms of expression. For example, Duchamp’s ‘Fountain’ (1917) was made from a urinal that he purchased from a hardware store, which caused controversy when it was displayed at an exhibition in New York due to its unconventional nature.

The emergence of readymades also allowed artists to explore concepts such as mass production, consumerism and appropriation. Duchamp’s ‘Bottle Rack’ (1914) was made from an ordinary bottle drying rack purchased from a store, which highlighted the idea that art can be found anywhere, even in the most mundane objects. His use of everyday items to create works of art also challenged traditional notions about what constitutes art, and inspired many other artists to explore similar ideas.

The legacy of readymades continues to this day with many contemporary artists still exploring their potential. The use of everyday objects has become commonplace in modern art and has played an important role in pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.

In conclusion, readymades have been significant to the history of art because they pushed boundaries and challenged traditional notions about what constitutes art. They allowed artists to explore concepts such as mass production, consumerism and appropriation through their creative practice, inspiring many other artists to do likewise. Furthermore, readymades provided a platform for experimentation with different forms of expression that continues to this day.