Galleries
36 Things That Have Not Been Used as Found Object Art, as Far as We Know
There are still many new frontiers to conquer.

“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.

Image: BindersInc.com
2) All Living Things® Pet Halloween Devil Small Pet Costume

Image: Petsmart.com
3) Barbie Fairytopia Mermaidia Bubble Vanity

Image: Sears.com
4) Black Titanium Anodized 3-D Pot Leaf Barbell Tongue Ring

Image: BodyCandy.com
5) “Baxter” Bull Terrier Dog Mannequin

Image: mannequinstore.com
6) Beaded Decorated “Mazel Tov” Cake Server

Image: traditionaljewishgifts.com
7) Camouflage Pull-String Tank Piñata

Image: PartyCity.com
8) Camo Skull Kit with Pedicles

Image: McKenzie Taxidermy Supply
9) Compact Booster Heater, Electric

Image: Berlin’s Restaurant Supply
10) Crossfit Proud Chest II Bra

Image: Rogue Fitness
11) Korg MA-1 Digital Metronome

Image: The Piper’s Doji
12) Dinosaurs of North America Wall Map

Image: The National Geographic Store
13) Dried Meal Worms

Image: JustSkunks.com
14) Electric Can Opener With Built-in Bottle Opener And Knife Sharpener

Image: Office Depot

Image: Hearthsong.com
16) Heel Pincer

Image: Show Systems Plus, Inc.
17) HoMedics® MyBaby™ SoundSpa® On-The-Go White Noise Machine

Image: Bed, Bath, and Beyond
18) Idaho state flag

Image: UI School Supply
19) Giant Inflatable American Eagle

Image: LookOurWay.com
20) J-Crew Factory Intarsia Scottie Dog Sweater

Image: J-Crew
21) Jigeasel—A Jigsaw Puzzle Easel for Comfort Seekers

Image: JigThings.com
22) Lid Organizer

Image: WebstaurantStore.com

Image: HearthSong.com
24) Muse: The Brain Sensing Headband

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

Image: OnFancy.com
26) OUCH! Sex Swing

Image: eBay

Image: Wikimedia Commons
28) Skunk Valentine Cards from JustSkunks.com

Image: JustSkunks.com
29) Sky & Telescope Moon Globe

Image: ShopAtSky.com
30) The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out Of Water Blu-Ray

Image: Nickelodeon
31) Super Mole Poblano Ready to Serve Mole Sauce

Image: MexGrocer.com
32) Titan Xtreme™ Crossbow with Acudraw™

Image: Cabela’s

Image: Container Store
34) Ultimate Luxury Class Bidet Seat

Image: BioBidet.com
35) VHS Head Cleaner

Image: Etsy.com
36) Yoga Wheel

Image: breakin-a-sweat.myshopify.com
Follow Artnet News on Facebook:
Want to stay ahead of the art world? Subscribe to our newsletter to get the breaking news, eye-opening interviews, and incisive critical takes that drive the conversation forward.
Share