"Readymades" is the tenth studio album by Chumbawamba, released in 18 June 2002, homage to the concept of using everyday objects as art, pioneered by Marcel Duchamp. The album incorporates vocal samples from both contemporary and traditional folk artists, some of whom Chumbawamba would later collaborate with.
The album's title, "Readymades," directly references Marcel Duchamp's concept of taking ordinary objects and presenting them as art. Duchamp's approach challenged traditional notions of art and creativity by questioning what constitutes art itself.
The artwork of "Readymades" pays homage to the "I Have Nothing to Say And I'm Saying It" poster, originally designed by Alan Fletcher. This poster was a self-portrait of German Dadaist John Heartfield, born Helmut Herzfelde, known for his pioneering work in photomontage and political art during the early 20th century.
Chumbawamba's use of Duchamp's concept in naming their album and incorporating visual homages to Dadaist art underscores their own experimental and politically charged approach to music and art.
