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Objet trouvé nr. 13
Rediscovered Whiskers: Is Forgotten Art Worth a Second Look?
Anne Verstraete is a contemporary artist who breathes new life into discarded works by employing the concept of ‘objet trouvé’ (found object), a concept popularized by the Dada movement in the early 20th century, and based on the idea that the artist’s choice of an object recontextualizes it as an artwork.
Anne scours flea markets, estate sales, and trash collections, seeking out amateur art that has been cast aside. Each piece she finds sparks her curiosity about its origins, the anonymous creator, and the untold story behind it.
The painting, depicting a cat in a crystal ball, might have been discarded due to its personal or outdated style, or simply because it no longer had a place in a previous owner’s modern décor. Verstraete’s discovery and re-presentation of this piece transform it from waste to a cherished artwork, challenging the perception of value in art. The act of conservation becomes a form of recontextualization, and by shifting the context from trash to treasured artwork, Verstraete ignites a renewed desire to preserve and appreciate the once-forgotten piece. This metamorphosis invites viewers to reconsider the importance of conservation and the arbitrary nature of value in the art world.
Anne Verstraete, “Objet trouvé nr. 13”, 2022. Acrylic paint on wood, 20 x 20 cm. (7.87 × 7.87 in.). Museum of Modern Art, Department of Rejected Artists. Gift of Anne Verstraete. ©️Anne Verstraete. Photo by Jean Chapeau.