Form Matters, Matter Forms. From Readymade to Product Fetish

From readymade to everyday object

Since the invention of the readymade in the 1910s, when everyday objects were declared art objects, the distinction between art and everyday life is no longer readily possible and has become highly context-dependent. With the public presentation of readymades and their appropriation in the context of Pop Art during the 1960s, a period of great economic prosperity, the influence of product and advertising design on art increased considerably. The aesthetics familiar from everyday life have also fundamentally changed the content of art. Viewing art can no longer be seen without the interdependencies of the art operating system and its development within consumer society. With the appropriation of consumer goods, the microsystem of art has become an actual conflict zone between material and materialism, turning works of art into veritable fetish objects. These mutual dependencies form the starting point for the exhibition and the accompanying book "Form Matters, Matter Forms. From Readymade to Utility Object" with works from Marcel Duchamp to the present day.

Artists:
Cory Arcangel, John Armleder, Monica Bonvicini, Christa Dichgans, Marcel Duchamp, Öyvind Fahlström, Sylvie Fleury, Claire Fontaine, Wade Guyton, Hans Haacke, Richard Hamilton, David Hammons, Damian Hirst, Jeff Koons, Barbara Kruger, Mark Leckey, Sherrie Levine, Richard Prince, Martha Rosler, Sturtevant, Rosemarie Trockel, Andy Warhol, Ai Weiwei et al.

Exhibition:
Kunst Museum Winterthur, 7/9 - 17/11/2024