A Trauma of History In Contemporary Art: Case Study of Anselm Kiefer and Cai Guo-Qiang

Abstract

This article aimed to explore the role of readymade object and found object in contemporary art. Since it’s first inception by Marcel Dychamp, these objects became one of the most prominent medium in contemporary art scene. The case study of a German artist Anselm Kiefer and a Chinese artist Cai Guo Qiang will be focusing on how each artist’s works connoted in a distinctive context. The study found that readymade object and found object communicate well when they were used as historically and socio-culturally mediums. Especially in specific events concerning violence within specific context, for example the holocaust during World War II or the relationship between China and Japan in the past and in the present day as well.