Don't do it! (Readymades of the 20th Century) 2000

John Armleder made this piece, ‘Don’t Do It! (Readymades of the 20th Century)’, by arranging a collection of everyday objects. It's like a still life, but instead of paint, the medium is stuff: a ladder, a TV, a basketball, a lampshade, a broom. What strikes me is how these objects, usually separate, are brought together, creating a kind of organized chaos. Each object retains its individual identity, yet contributes to the overall composition. The textures vary wildly, from the smooth surface of the TV screen to the rough bristles of the broom. The lighting, too, plays a role, casting shadows that add depth and intrigue to the arrangement. This work reminds me of Kurt Schwitters and his Merz collages. Both artists transform mundane materials into art, challenging our notions of what art can be. Armleder invites us to see the beauty and potential in the everyday, to question the boundaries between art and life. It's a conversation about value, perception, and the endless possibilities of artmaking.