Use of Common Materials

Definition

This term refers to the practice of using everyday, non-traditional materials in the creation of art, often challenging the boundaries between art and life and exploring the aesthetic and conceptual potential of the mundane.

History

The use of common materials in art became prominent in the 20th century with movements such as Dada, Surrealism, and Pop Art, where artists sought to break down the barriers between high art and everyday life, often using found objects, industrial materials, and mass-produced items to create works that question traditional artistic values.

Notable Examples

NALA term preview

Robert Rauschenberg

Canyon, 1959

Key Artists & Movements

Key figures include Marcel Duchamp, whose readymades transformed ordinary objects into art, and Robert Rauschenberg, whose combines incorporated everyday materials and objects into layered, complex compositions.

Techniques & Materials

Techniques involve the selection, modification, and arrangement of common materials, such as found objects, industrial products, or household items, often creating works that challenge traditional notions of artistic value, craftsmanship, and the distinction between art and the everyday. The emphasis is often on the conceptual and contextual aspects of the materials used.

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