The term found art—more commonly found object (French: objet trouvé) or readymade—describes art created from undisguised, but often modified, objects that are not normally considered art, often because they already have a non-art function. Marcel Duchamp was the originator of this in the early 20th century.

Found art derives its identity as art from the designation placed upon it by the artist. The context into which it is placed (e.g. a gallery or museum) is usually also a highly relevant factor. The idea of dignifying commonplace objects in this way was originally a shocking challenge to the accepted distinction between what was considered art as opposed to not art. Although it may now be accepted in the art world as a viable practice, it continues to arouse questioning, as with the Tate Gallery's Turner Prize exhibition of Tracey Emin's My Bed, which consisted literally of her unmade and dishevelled bed. In this sense the artist gives the audience time and a stage to contemplate an object. Appreciation of found art in this way can prompt philosophical reflection in the observer.

Found art, however, has to have the artist's input, at the very least an idea about it, i.e. the artist's designation of the object as art, which is nearly always reinforced with a title. There is mostly also some degree of modification of the object, although not to the extent that it cannot be recognised. The modification may lead to it being designated a "modified", "interpreted" or "adapted" found object.

Noun

junk (uncountable)

1. Discarded or waste material; rubbish, trash.
2. A collection of miscellaneous items of little value
3. (slang) Any narcotic drug, especially heroin.
   • 1961, William S. Burroughs, The Soft Machine, page 7

     Trace a line of goose pimples up the thin young arm. Slide the needle in and push the bulb watching the junk hit him all over. Move right in with the shit and suck junk through all the hungry young cells.

4. (slang) genitalia
   • 2009, Kesha, Tik Tok

     I'm talking about everybody getting crunk, crunk

     Boys tryin' to touch my junk, junk

     Gonna smack him if he getting too drunk, drunk

5. (nautical) Salt beef.

• See also Wikisaurus:trash

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• Tribe: Altered Books
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  Group for those obsessed with altering books, collage and Antiquarian Art. All things paper and pulp including textiles.
• Yahoo! Groups: AssemblageArt
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  For established or emerging assemblage artist or even interested in theoretical or art historical discussion of assemblage art. Critiques, discussion, marketing, methods, materials are all topics which many may be interested in exploring.
• Art Erratica
  gallery.passion4art.com
  Group of artists who share a unique vision and a dedication to work that is meaningful, innovative, and of course, erratic.