“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