36 Things That Have Not Been Used as Found Object Art, as Far as We Know

There are still many new frontiers to conquer.

Clockwise from top left: Andy Warhol, Brillo Box (1964); Yoko Ono, Apple (1966); Tracey Emin, My Bed (1998); Jeff Koons, Detail of One Ball Total Equilibrium Tank (Spalding Dr. J Series) (1985)

“And Alexander wept, for there were no more worlds to conquer.”

That quote, from legendary villain Hans Gruber in Die Hard, often seems to emblematize the state of the anything-goes postmodern art world. From Andy Warhol’s Brillo Boxes and Yoko Ono’s apple to Jeff Koons’s basketballs-in-a-fish tank and Tracey Emin’s messy bed, it seems like the old opposition between art and life has totally broken down. Things have gotten pretty life-y in here.

Anything can be art—or can it? We’ve combed through art history and found some surprising omissions that will challenge everything you think you know about what art has become. Here, below, are 36 things that have never been used as art before, showing just how far we have yet to go.

1) .75 inch Entrapment Binder

Image: BindersInc.com

Image: BindersInc.com

2) All Living Things® Pet Halloween Devil Small Pet Costume

pPETNA-5237883_main_enh

Image: Petsmart.com

3) Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Bubble Vanity

 

barbie vanity

Image: Sears.com

4) Black Titanium Anodized 3-D Pot Leaf Barbell Tongue Ring

Image: BodyCandy.com

Image: BodyCandy.com

5) “Baxter” Bull Terrier Dog Mannequin

Image: mannequinstore.com

Image: mannequinstore.com

6) Beaded Decorated “Mazel Tov” Cake Server

Image: traditionsjewishgifts.com

Image: traditionaljewishgifts.com

 

7) Camouflage Pull-String Tank Piñata

Image: PartyCity.com

Image: PartyCity.com

 

8) Camo Skull Kit with Pedicles

Image: McKenzie Taxidermy Supply

Image: McKenzie Taxidermy Supply

 

9) Compact Booster Heater, Electric

Image: Berlin's Restaurant Supply

Image: Berlin’s Restaurant Supply

 

10) Crossfit Proud Chest II Bra

Image: Rogue Fitness

Image: Rogue Fitness

 

11) Korg MA-1 Digital Metronome

Image: The Piper's Doji

Image: The Piper’s Doji

 

12) Dinosaurs of North America Wall Map

Image: The National Geographic Store

Image: The National Geographic Store

 

13) Dried Meal Worms

Image: JustSkunks.com

Image: JustSkunks.com

14) Electric Can Opener With Built-in Bottle Opener And Knife Sharpener

Image: Office Depot

Image: Office Depot

 

15) Fairy Welcome Door

Image: Hearthsong.com

Image: Hearthsong.com

 

16) Heel Pincer

Image: Show Systems Plus, Inc.

Image: Show Systems Plus, Inc.

 

17) HoMedics® MyBaby™ SoundSpa® On-The-Go White Noise Machine

Image: Bed, Bath, and Beyond

Image: Bed, Bath, and Beyond

 

18) Idaho state flag

Image: UI School Supply

Image: UI School Supply

 

19) Giant Inflatable American Eagle

Image: LookOurWay.com

Image: LookOurWay.com

 

20) J-Crew Factory Intarsia Scottie Dog Sweater

Image: J-Crew

Image: J-Crew

 

21) Jigeasel—A Jigsaw Puzzle Easel for Comfort Seekers

Image: JigThings.com

Image: JigThings.com

 

22) Lid Organizer

Image: WebstaurantStore.com

Image: WebstaurantStore.com

 

23) Light-Up Funny Face Balls

Image: HearthSong.com

Image: HearthSong.com

 

24) Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband

Image: Gaiam

Image: Gaiam

 

25) Novelty Stylish Banana Phone Shell Case for iPhone 4/4S/5/5S

Image: OnFancy.com

Image: OnFancy.com

 

26) OUCH! Sex Swing

Image: eBay

Image: eBay

 

27) Pyramid Mooring Anchor

Image: Wikimedia Commons

Image: Wikimedia Commons

28) Skunk Valentine Cards from JustSkunks.com

Image: JustSkunks.com

Image: JustSkunks.com

 

29) Sky & Telescope Moon Globe

Image: ShopAtSky.com

Image: ShopAtSky.com

 

30) The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water Blu-Ray

Image: Nickelodeon

Image: Nickelodeon

 

31) Super Mole Poblano Ready to Serve Mole Sauce

Image: MexGrocer.com

Image: MexGrocer.com

 

32) Titan Xtreme™ Crossbow with Acudraw™

Image: Cabela's

Image: Cabela’s

 

33) Uncontainable: How Passion, Commitment, and Conscious Capitalism® Built a Business Where Everyone Thrives by Kip Tindell, Chairman and CEO, The Container Store

Image: Container Store

Image: Container Store

 

34) Ultimate Luxury Class Bidet Seat

Image: BioBidet.com

Image: BioBidet.com

35) VHS Head Cleaner

Image: Etsy.com

Image: Etsy.com

36) Yoga Wheel

Image: http://breakin-a-sweat.myshopify.com/

Image: breakin-a-sweat.myshopify.com

 

Article topics