found object

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "found object" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts related to art, design, or discussions about items discovered in a particular setting. An example: "The artist incorporated a found object into the sculpture to add depth and meaning." Alternative expressions include "discovered item" and "repurposed object."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

General discussions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Or a found object".

The Guardian - Film

Rauschenberg and Varese both purvey the found object.

The New York Times - Arts

"I perceived it as a found object," she said.

The New York Times

Everyone treated the city as a found object.

The New York Times - Arts

"It's humble, like a found object," Mr. Allen said.

The New York Times

"The chair is an elegant example of the use of a found object.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"It has a found-object quality, like something a surfer might have found in the sand, but it's beautifully crafted".

The New York Times

On the way to the wedding, Elsa finds an iron ring on the street and calls it Enduring Element, her first piece of found-object art.

Huffington Post

To call it a found-object sculpture would be to trivialize it.

The New York Times - Arts

By Andrea K. Scott A fibre-and-found-object sculpture from 2004 by Judith Scott.

The New Yorker

He had written works using found-object percussion, "prepared" pianos, turntables, and other gizmos.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of related terms like "repurposed item" or "upcycled material" if the emphasis is on the object's transformation or reuse.

Common error

Avoid using "found object" to describe everyday discoveries. It specifically refers to items intentionally presented as art, not just anything you happen to find.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "found object" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to a specific type of object recognized within the context of art and design. Ludwig's examples show it describing items used in art, design, and general discussion.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Arts

22%

Science

16%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "found object" refers to a natural or manufactured item repurposed as a work of art. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and used across diverse media, notably News & Media and the Arts. When writing, ensure the context aligns with the artistic or repurposing aspect rather than simply describing something discovered. Remember alternatives like "objet trouvé" and "repurposed item" can provide nuanced meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

objet trouvé

Direct French translation, often used interchangeably in art contexts.

repurposed item

Focuses on the act of giving a new purpose to a discarded object.

altered object

Highlights the modification or transformation of the original item.

upcycled material

Emphasizes the use of waste materials in creating something of higher quality or value.

discovered artifact

Implies a historical or cultural significance to the object.

rescued item

Suggests the object was saved from being discarded or destroyed.

salvaged material

Highlights the recovery of useful components from waste.

unconventional medium

Refers to the object's use in art outside of traditional materials.

appropriated object

Indicates the act of taking something for one's own use, often in an artistic context.

chance find

Emphasizes the accidental discovery of the object.

FAQs

How is a "found object" different from regular trash?

A "found object" is distinguished from trash by its intentional selection and presentation as art. It's about shifting the context and perception of the item, not just discarding it.

What is the origin of the term "found object"?

The term "found object", or "objet trouvé", is closely associated with the Dada art movement in the early 20th century, particularly with artists like Marcel Duchamp who challenged traditional notions of art.

Can any item be considered a "found object" in art?

Potentially, yes. The key is the artist's intention and how the item is presented. Even mundane items can become "found objects" if they are used in a way that provokes thought or challenges artistic conventions.

What are some examples of art that uses "found objects"?

Marcel Duchamp's "Fountain" (a urinal) is a famous example. Other artists incorporate items like discarded furniture, scrap metal, or natural objects into sculptures and installations.