Pronunciation: [fˈa͡ʊnd ˈɑːts] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "found arts" is not straightforward. The first syllable "found" is pronounced as /faʊnd/, with a diphthong "ou" and a voiced "d" at the end. The second syllable "arts" is pronounced as /ɑrts/, with a long "a" and a consonant cluster "rts" that has a distinct "t" and "s" sounds. Together, the word is pronounced as /faʊnd ɑrts/. "Found arts" refers to art that is made from found objects or materials.
Found art refers to the artistic practice of creating or presenting art using everyday objects that are not traditionally considered art materials. Also known as ready-mades or objet trouvé, found art emphasizes the use of pre-existing objects or materials as the primary medium for artistic expression. These objects are often discarded or ordinary items that are transformed in a way that alters their original purpose or context, imbuing them with artistic and aesthetic value.
The concept of found art was popularized by the artist Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century, who famously transformed everyday objects into works of art by simply recontextualizing them. This movement challenged the traditional notion of art as something created from scratch by the artist's hand and elevated the importance of conceptual ideas and the power of artistic intention.
Found art can take various forms, including sculptures, installations, collages, assemblages, and even performances. The key characteristic is that the artist does not typically make or modify the found object itself but instead appropriates it for artistic purposes. Found art often invites viewers to reconsider the ordinary and mundane objects that surround them, prompting them to question the boundaries of art and the role of the artist in shaping meaning.
Ultimately, found art celebrates the creativity and imaginative potential found within the everyday, highlighting the capability of any object to become a work of art through the artist's intervention and perception.
