The concept of "readymades" is a key aspect of the art of Marcel Duchamp. Duchamp introduced the idea of readymades in the early 20th century, which involved taking everyday objects and declaring them as works of art. The readymades were existing objects Duchamp found, selected, and sometimes modified, but they were not created by him in the traditional sense.
By presenting ordinary objects as art, Duchamp challenged the traditional notions of artistic creation and the idea of the "handmade" or "original" artwork. He questioned the importance of skill, craftsmanship, and artistic talent in defining what can be considered art. The readymades shifted the focus from the artist's technical abilities to the conceptual and intellectual aspects of art.
Duchamp's most famous readymade is "Fountain," a porcelain urinal he submitted to an art exhibition in 1917. By presenting this everyday object in an artistic context, Duchamp aimed to provoke the art world and challenge the notion of what could be considered art. The readymades were intended to disrupt the traditional understanding of art as purely aesthetic and elevate the idea of concept and intellectual engagement.
Through his readymades, Duchamp questioned the role of the artist as a creator and emphasized the role of the viewer in interpreting and assigning value to art. He opened up new possibilities for artistic expression and challenged the boundaries and definitions of art itself. Duchamp's ideas and the concept of readymades had a profound and lasting impact on the development of conceptual art and influenced subsequent generations of artists.