The word "readymade" is a two-syllable word that is spelled as "rɛdiˌmeɪd". The first syllable "rɛdi" is pronounced with the short "ɛ" sound, as in the word "bed". The second syllable "meɪd" is pronounced with the long "eɪ" sound, as in the word "made". The phonetic transcription shows that the stress is on the second syllable. The spelling of "readymade" reflects its meaning, as it describes a product that is already assembled and ready to use.
Readymade is an adjective that refers to a product or item that is already manufactured, completed, or readily available for immediate use without the need for any assembly or modification. It is derived from the phrase "already made," indicating that the item is prepared and can be used or consumed right away. Readymade items are typically mass-produced and sold directly to consumers, offering a convenient solution for their specific needs or purposes.
The term "readymade" is often used in the context of consumer goods, where it implies that the product is in its final form and requires no further steps to be taken before use. This can range from everyday household items like clothes, furniture, or appliances to more complex objects like pre-built structures or computer software. Readymade products are valued for their convenience, as they eliminate the need for additional time, effort, or specialized skills that would otherwise be involved in constructing or customizing an item.
Moreover, "readymade" also carries a significant meaning in the world of art. Coined by the French artist Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century, it refers to found objects or everyday items that are recontextualized and transformed into artworks solely by the artist's selection and placement. Duchamp's "readymades" challenged traditional notions of artistic creation and brought attention to the concept of intellectual interpretation in the creation of art.
In summary, readymade refers to a product or item that is already made, complete, and available for immediate use, either for consumer purposes or as a form of artistic expression.
The term "readymade" was introduced by the French artist Marcel Duchamp in the early 20th century. Duchamp used the term to describe ordinary, preexisting objects that an artist selects and designates as art without altering them. The word "readymade" itself is a compound formed by combining "ready" and "made". It signifies that the object is ready for presentation as an artwork without any additional artistic intervention. Duchamp's readymades, such as his famous piece "Fountain", which was just a urinal he selected and signed, challenged traditional notions of authorship and originality in art. The concept of the readymade had a significant impact on the development of modern and contemporary art.